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Thailand shelves controversial casino bill amid political turmoil
Thailand’s cabinet withdrew a draft law to legalise casinos and entertainment complexes on Tuesday, citing the need for public engagement
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Thailand’s cabinet on Tuesday withdrew a draft law for casinos and entertainment complexes, citing the need for more time to engage with the public and create more understanding about the issue.
The government earlier set its sights on building a major gaming industry that will complement tourism, a key economic driver for the country, with a draft bill to legalise gambling slated to be deliberated on by parliament on Wednesday.
But the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from duty by the Constitutional Court last week, and the desertion of the Bhumjaithai Party from its coalition last month, left the government holding on to a slim majority in parliament, making the passage of the bill risky.
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“The draft bill in question involves issues that require time for public understanding,” government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said in a statement on Tuesday.
“It is therefore appropriate to withdraw this draft bill from parliament’s deliberation,” he said, without indicating when the draft bill will be reconsidered by the cabinet.
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Paetongtarn is currently under investigation for ethical violations due to accusations stemming from a leaked phone call, where she allegedly made comments detrimental to Thailand’s national interests during a discussion with Cambodia’s Senate President, Hun Sen, regarding a recent border dispute last month.
04:40
Thai court suspends PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra over leaked phone call
Thai court suspends PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra over leaked phone call
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