Bangkok: Abhisit Vejjajiva, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, has expressed skepticism over the proposed casino law’s ability to stimulate tourism, drawing comparisons to the underground lottery issue and voicing concerns about potential negative signals from China regarding travel to Thailand.
According to Thai News Agency, Abhisit articulated his long-standing stance against the legalization of casinos during a presentation to the Senate’s Special Committee on the Study of the Opening of a Full-Service Entertainment Complex. He emphasized that although the current government views the casino business as an opportunity, legalizing it may not effectively curb illegal gambling activities. He pointed out that legal businesses require regulatory compliance, unlike their illegal counterparts, and questioned the effectiveness of bringing such activities above ground.
Abhisit further criticized the government’s reliance on Singapore as a case study for tourism promotion through casinos. He questioned the validity of comparing Singapore’s tourism success to that of Thailand, insisting that entertainment complexes could thrive without incorporating casinos. He urged lawmakers to explore legislation that offers special privileges to other businesses and attractions without resorting to gambling establishments.
He also questioned the economic benefits touted by casino advocates, suggesting that the profits might not represent new income but rather a shift from existing revenue streams. He stressed the importance of evaluating the potential loss of resources, such as state land repurposed for casinos, and the impact on existing infrastructure.
Abhisit expressed doubts about the quality and scale of jobs created by casino developments, suggesting that tourists could be attracted to Thailand through other means. He also highlighted concerns about the tax revenue model, noting that a significant portion of income from casinos would be generated from Thai citizens rather than foreign visitors, potentially undermining the intended economic benefits.
Moreover, Abhisit warned about the potential diplomatic fallout with China, referencing Chinese laws prohibiting gambling and the possibility of reduced Chinese tourism to Thailand as a result. He questioned whether the anticipated influx of tourists from casino legalization would outweigh the risks of losing a significant portion of the current tourist base.
In his concluding remarks, Abhisit reiterated his belief that the disadvantages and risks associated with the casino policy outweigh any potential benefits. He urged policymakers to consider alternative strategies for economic and tourism development that do not rely on the gambling industry.