Thailand Senate panel to review casino bill on 23 April: Report
A newly formed Senate committee in Thailand is preparing to hold its first meeting on 23 April to examine the Entertainment Complex Bill. According to the Bangkok Post report, the committee, which initially comprised 35 members, now stands at 34 following Senator Premsak Piayura’s reported resignation. The report said the upcoming session will focus on appointing committee leadership, outlining the study’s scope, and selecting a replacement for Sen. Premsak. The committee is expected to take 180 days to complete its review.
Twelve of the committee members are external experts. According to reports, lobbying is underway to award the chairmanship to an outsider with political ties in Buri Ram, a development that has raised questions about the committee’s neutrality.
Investment on focus
The local media reported that members of the Pheu Thai Party are urging the public and media to understand the broader purpose of the entertainment complex proposal. The Bangkok Post quoted Pheu Thai secretary-general Sorawong Thienthong saying the media should refrain from describing the entertainment complex project as a push to legalise casinos solely. He insisted that it is an investment initiative and that casinos are just an element to attract investors.
Pheu Thai secretary-general added that existing laws already cover other types of business activity, and the new proposal is intended as a special economic driver. During the parliamentary recess, party MPs are expected to engage with constituents to explain the project’s potential benefits, seeking to build public support and dispel misinformation.
Bill sparks protests and criticism
Despite these reassurances, public opposition to the bill remains active. Protests were held outside government buildings, including a recent gathering at the Prime Minister’s residence. The Thai Enquirer reported that protesters include the Khana Lomruam Prachachon, the People and Student Network for the Reform of Thailand, the People’s Center to Protect the Institution, led by Anon Klinkaew, and the Dhamma Army, led by Jaiphet “Mor-Keaw” Klajon.
The protesters claimed that the initiative to legalise casinos and online gambling originated with former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has been tasked with advancing the proposal through both the Cabinet and Parliament. Groups involved include student networks, royalist organisations, and religious activists, all expressing fears that the bill could lead to increased gambling addiction, corruption, and social inequality. Protesters said they will continue their opposition to these proposals.
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