Latest news with #NationalReferendumAct
Arabian Post
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Arabian Post
Lawmakers Face Referendum Pressure After 54,000 Thai Signatures
A coalition of civic groups has presented the Election Commission with over 54,000 signatures demanding a public vote on the Entertainment Complex Business Act, a proposed law to legalise integrated resorts with casinos in Thailand. The petition surpasses the 50,000-signature threshold mandated by the National Referendum Act, compelling authorities to verify the submissions within 30 days. The campaign, led by the Stop Gambling Foundation and allied organisations, began gathering support in January and reached its goal in May after approximately 120 days of mobilisation. On submission day, activists including Thanakorn Khomkrit, the foundation's secretary-general, and youth representative Wasinee Sonsaeb, arrived at the Commission's offices in Bangkok backed by over 100 civil society figures. Proponents of the law argue it would generate substantial economic advantages. Cabinet estimates suggest that legal casinos in integrated resorts could add between US$3.5 billion and $7 billion annually to tourism revenue, attract nearly US$3 billion per development, create thousands of jobs, and lift tourist numbers by 5–10%. The government also contends such regulation might curb illegal gambling and bolster the national economy. ADVERTISEMENT Yet critics argue the bill was neither debated during the 2023 election campaign nor subjected to meaningful public consultation. Thanakorn Khomkrit warned that proceeding with casino legislation without a public mandate could pose political dangers and exacerbate societal tensions, especially given concerns around sufficiency-economy principles. He urged that a referendum would lend legitimacy to both the government and investors, reducing public resistance. Echoing those views, Wasinee Sonsaeb cautioned that legalising casinos and online gambling 'would be handing down a sinful legacy to our children,' warning that current proposals echo past mistakes instead of learning from thorough consultation seen in jurisdictions like Singapore. Under the referendum law, once the commission validates the signatures, the petition will be forwarded to the Cabinet Secretariat for consideration. The Cabinet must then approve a referendum before legislation may proceed. The bill's political trajectory has already faced obstacles. Introduced to Cabinet on 13 January, it received preliminary approval; however, debate was postponed until Parliament's July session following resistance from coalition members and public protests. Proposed safeguards include a 5,000‑baht entry fee for Thai nationals with a minimum bank deposit of 50 million baht, along with capping casino space at 5% of each complex. Economic modelling from Thailand's Fiscal Policy Office projects that integrated resorts could draw 5–20% more foreign visitors and increase per-visitor spending from 40,000 to 60,000 baht. International gaming giants including Las Vegas Sands, MGM, Wynn, Genting, and Galaxy have reportedly expressed interest, particularly in the Bangkok market. Still, public opposition remains fierce. Alongside concerns about youth exposure and gambling dependency, critics emphasise that transparency demands more extensive public dialogue. A January poll found nearly half the population doubted the bill would pass because of widespread disapproval.
Korea Herald
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
DP leader says to focus on ending martial law controversy, not constitutional revision
Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung said Monday he agrees with the need to revise the Constitution, but it is time to first focus on ending social unrest stemming from former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law bid. Lee made the remark a day after National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik proposed holding a national referendum on constitutional revision on the day of the upcoming presidential election, which must be held within 60 days following Yoon's ouster by the Constitutional Court last Friday. "Constitutional revision is necessary, but ending the insurrection must come first," Lee said, effectively snubbing Woo's proposal. Aside from impeachment, Yoon faces separate criminal trials on insurrection charges related to his short-lived martial law declaration on Dec. 3. Lee pointed out legal challenges to holding the referendum alongside the election, given that early voting is not allowed for referendums under the current law, saying he conditionally agrees with the amendment. "If the National Referendum Act is revised and a constitutional amendment becomes practically feasible, we can proceed with it right away," he said. Lee said he conditionally supports a constitutional amendment if it enshrines the spirit of the 1980 pro-democracy uprising in Gwangju and tightens the requirements for declaring martial law. Lee, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election, is considered a leading contender for the race. The government is expected to confirm June 3 as the election day during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. (Yonhap)
