Thailand Coalition Party Bhumjaithai Backs Casino Legalization Plans

The debate surrounding the legalization of casinos in Thailand intensified recently as the prominent coalition party, Bhumjaithai, reiterated its support for Pheu Thai’s proposal. However, the party voiced concerns about the potential risks of a monopoly dominating the industry and capturing most of the benefits.

According to the Bangkok Post, Bhumjaithai has consistently backed Pheu Thai’s vision for an entertainment complex. Despite this support, Korrawee Prissananantakul, an MP for Ang Thong Province, highlighted the party’s reluctance to allow just one or two companies to control the market. During a joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate, Korrawee emphasized the consequences of establishing such a complex in a small city, expressing worries over unfair income distribution.

He stressed the need for a comprehensive evaluation of casino legalization’s advantages and disadvantages by the government before advancing with the plan. Previous reports have mentioned the Thai government’s intention to develop three casinos in Bangkok and establish a total of seven integrated resorts nationwide.

Korrawee also raised concerns about the fairness for Thai citizens if the government legalized casinos in exchange for concessions estimated at THB1 billion ($30 million) annually. He suggested that government investment and operation of the casinos could potentially generate revenue and support the poor, thereby benefiting all Thai people rather than just a select few investors.

The Pheu Thai Party recently saw Paetongtarn Shinawatra assume the role of Prime Minister. Under her leadership, a new 35-member cabinet has been approved, with 17 positions filled by Pheu Thai members and the remaining 19 assigned to its coalition partners. The party has continued to drive initiatives like casino legalization, with Paetongtarn’s father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, previously noting that the entertainment complex project would require at least THB100 billion ($3 billion), highlighting the potential benefits for the government without direct investment.

While Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat acknowledged the casino plan’s attractiveness to investors, opposition remains. People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut argued that such government initiatives would likely advantage private investors. Nevertheless, coalition support and a favorable Ministry of Finance study have propelled the project towards cabinet proposal, aiming to boost revenue and financial stability through entertainment complex development.

As discussions continue, the focus remains on ensuring equitable benefits for all Thai citizens while exploring the opportunities presented by this significant development in Thailand’s gaming industry.