Bangkok: The Senate Entertainment Complex Committee has identified irregularities in the government’s efforts to establish legal casinos, criticizing it for contravening several constitutional sections.
According to Thai News Agency, the committee, led by Dr. Weerapan Suwannam, Senator and Chairman of the Special Committee to Study the Opening of a Full-Service Entertainment Complex, has flagged multiple concerns following a two-month investigation. The committee’s study involved consultations with relevant individuals and agencies, leading to the conclusion that the proposed legislation could pose risks to the nation.
The committee’s primary concern is the potential violation of several constitutional sections, specifically Section 3, Paragraph 2, Section 58, Section 63, and Section 65. Dr. Weerapan emphasized that the term ‘casino’ should be explicitly included in the draft law, as its absence may conflict with government policies which initially labeled the project as a full-service entertainment venue. Moreover, the National Economic and Social Commission (NESDC) provided insights indicating that casinos do not contribute to GDP growth, pointing out that the gambling industry is declining and the benefits would primarily accrue to capitalists rather than the government. There are concerns about potential financial outflows as well.
Dr. Weeraphan addressed the social implications, noting the government’s claim that legalizing casinos would address underground gambling issues by allowing only individuals with deposits over 50 million baht to participate. However, with only 10,000 such individuals in Thailand, widespread participation is deemed unlikely. The committee also observed an unusual haste in advancing the draft law, with significant power vested in a policy committee comprising the prime minister and relevant ministers, which undermines checks and balances. The absence of environmental impact studies and exemptions from key laws such as environmental and city planning laws were highlighted as additional concerns.
Regarding the location of the entertainment complex, Dr. Weerapan contradicted statements by Deputy Minister of Finance Mr. Chulaphan Amornvivat, who claimed that locations were undecided. Information from the private sector suggests predetermined sites in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Phuket, with proposed tax rates significantly lower than those in developed countries. Dr. Weerapan questioned the source of this information, implying it must have originated from policymakers.
The committee recommended that the government should have adhered to procedural steps, including public consultation and thorough impact assessments, before drafting the law. Dr. Weerapan critiqued the government’s claim of public support, arguing that public hearings and referendums are distinct processes and that the figures presented are misleading. The committee plans to present its findings to the Senate on July 7, following the commencement of the new parliament session.