logo
Thailand backtracks on legalising casino plans as political turmoil deepens

Thailand backtracks on legalising casino plans as political turmoil deepens

The Star6 days ago
BANGKOK (Bloomberg): Thailand's government will withdraw a controversial bill to legalize casinos from parliament following mounting public opposition and a fresh bout of political turmoil that has reduced the ruling coalition's majority.
A motion to withdraw the so-called "entertainment complex' bill from the current session of parliament will be raised on July 9 when it was previously slotted for consideration, government whip Visuth Chainaroon told reporters on Monday.
The cabinet will likely approve the withdrawal plan when it meets on Tuesday, Visuth said. It's not clear yet whether the government will reintroduce the bill at some point in the future, he said.
The government had earlier indicated that it would delay the introduction of the bill - set to be the first major agenda after the House of Representatives reconvened last week - saying it needed more time to communicate with the public and address their concerns about problem gambling and money laundering.
"We're not pulling it out of fear or anything,' Visuth said. "We'd just like to communicate with the people first on the issue and clear any lingering doubts.'
PM Suspension
The move to pull the bill came after the ruling alliance was pushed to the brink by the exit of Bhumjaithai Party, which had opposed the bill, and the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for an alleged ethical misconduct.
Paetongtarn also faces other legal challenges after coming under fire for a leaked phone conversation with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, in which she was critical of the Thai army's role in an ongoing border standoff with the neighboring country.
Without a clear majority, the government may face challenges in passing controversial or essential bills that have been lined up in the coming months. The budget bill for next fiscal year from October is also expected to be taken up for the second and third readings in August.
The move is likely to frustrate foreign investors interested in developing casinos in Thailand as part of big entertainment complexes. The proposed legislation promotes these projects as a means to attract investment and boost tourism - a sector that is crucial to the Thai economy, employing one in five Thais and contributing roughly 13% to the nation's gross domestic product.
Major operators such as Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd., MGM Resorts International, Las Vegas Sands Corp., Wynn Resorts Ltd., and Melco Resorts & Entertainment have previously expressed interest in setting up integrated resorts in Thailand.
-- ©2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Cambodia marks UNESCO recognition of Khmer Rouge sites as places of 'peace and reflection'
Cambodia marks UNESCO recognition of Khmer Rouge sites as places of 'peace and reflection'

The Star

timean hour ago

  • The Star

Cambodia marks UNESCO recognition of Khmer Rouge sites as places of 'peace and reflection'

PHNOM PENH (Reuters) -Cambodia held ceremonies across the country on Sunday to celebrate UNESCO's recognition of three former Khmer Rouge sites as World Heritage, honouring their transformation from centres of repression to places of peace and reflection. The Tuol Sleng prison and Choeung Ek killing fields in Phnom Penh, and M-13 prison in Kampong Chhnang province were inscribed as "Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection" during a UNESCO meeting in Paris on Friday. "This is a model for the world, showing the long struggle of Cambodia, reconciliation, the spirit of national unity, finding justice for the victims and building peace," said interim Culture Minister Hab Touch. The Khmer Rouge sites mark Cambodia's fifth World Heritage listing, and is the country's first modern-era nomination and among the first globally tied to recent conflict. The sites are a stark reminder of the atrocities committed under Pol Pot's regime from 1975 to 1979, during which an estimated 1.7 million to 2.2 million people died, many from starvation, torture, or execution. The Tuol Sleng prison, which held approximately 15,000 prisoners, is now a genocide museum. (Reporting by Chantha Lach; Editing by Michael Perry)

Cambodia marks Unesco recognition of Khmer Rouge sites as places of 'peace and reflection'
Cambodia marks Unesco recognition of Khmer Rouge sites as places of 'peace and reflection'

New Straits Times

time2 hours ago

  • New Straits Times

Cambodia marks Unesco recognition of Khmer Rouge sites as places of 'peace and reflection'

PHNOM PENH: Cambodia held ceremonies across the country on Sunday to celebrate Unesco's recognition of three former Khmer Rouge sites as World Heritage, honouring their transformation from centres of repression to places of peace and reflection. The Tuol Sleng prison and Choeung Ek killing fields in Phnom Penh, and M-13 prison in Kampong Chhnang province were inscribed as "Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection" during a Unesco meeting in Paris on Friday. "This is a model for the world, showing the long struggle of Cambodia, reconciliation, the spirit of national unity, finding justice for the victims and building peace," said interim Culture Minister Hab Touch. The Khmer Rouge sites mark Cambodia's fifth World Heritage listing, and is the country's first modern-era nomination and among the first globally tied to recent conflict. The sites are a stark reminder of the atrocities committed under Pol Pot's regime from 1975 to 1979, during which an estimated 1.7 million to 2.2 million people died, many from starvation, torture, or execution. The Tuol Sleng prison, which held approximately 15,000 prisoners, is now a genocide museum.

Thailand-Malaysia partnership boosts southern border livelihoods
Thailand-Malaysia partnership boosts southern border livelihoods

The Sun

time4 hours ago

  • The Sun

Thailand-Malaysia partnership boosts southern border livelihoods

KUALA LUMPUR: Closer collaboration between Thailand and Malaysia is transforming lives in Thailand's southern border provinces through targeted poverty alleviation, infrastructure upgrades, and community-driven initiatives. The Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC) leads these efforts alongside Malaysian agencies, focusing on Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, Songkhla, and Satun—regions historically impacted by economic challenges and instability. SBPAC Secretary-General Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak emphasised the shared commitment to uplifting communities and fostering peace through grassroots development. 'Our main responsibility is to ensure that people in this region can lead better, more secure lives. We are committed to doing everything possible to improve their livelihoods,' he told Bernama. Key projects include modernising the Sadao checkpoint to match Bukit Kayu Hitam's standards and constructing a second bridge between Sungai Golok and Rantau Panjang to boost trade and mobility. The Twin City programme, linking five Thai provinces with five Malaysian states, further strengthens ties in education, tourism, and halal industries. Thailand's 2019 Targeted People Development Database revealed over 107,000 people in the region living in poverty. SBPAC's second-phase development plan (2024-2027) aims to benefit 13,601 households through farming, fisheries, and small business initiatives. The revived Advisory Council for the Administration and Development, chaired by Dr Khodari Sen, ensures community needs guide development. 'The people are more comfortable dealing with us than government agencies. We want to prove that this council truly belongs to them,' he said. Seven specialised teams oversee policy implementation, prioritising justice, education, and economic empowerment. Cross-border projects require council approval to align with local priorities, reinforcing the strong cultural and economic bonds between Thailand and Malaysia. - Bernama

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store