Bangkok: Parliament's forum has voiced strong opposition to the establishment of casinos in Thailand, arguing that they lead to various forms of crime in developing countries. Atthawich has criticized the draft law for lacking expected specifications and clear locations, describing it as unusual. Concurrently, the Secretary-General of the Stop Gambling Foundation has stressed the importance of holding a referendum on the matter.
According to Thai News Agency, the Parliamentary Library, Academic Office of the House of Representatives, recently organized a seminar focused on the Draft Act concerning the Operation of Integrated Entertainment Businesses in the context of Thai society. The seminar featured notable attendees such as Ms. Chittawan Chanakul, a lecturer from Kasetsart University's Faculty of Economics, Mr. Attavit Suwannapakdee, Chairman of the Advisory Board to the Minister of Industry, and Mr. Thanakorn Khomkrit, the Secretary-General of the Stop Gambling Foundation.
The Secretary-General of the Stop Gambling Foundation highlighted the significance of casinos as major gambling venues, emphasizing the need for careful consideration and public involvement through a referendum on the issue. Meanwhile, Ms. Chittawan reiterated concerns about the potential social and economic disasters casinos could bring to developing countries, citing examples from Southeast Asia where legalized casinos have been linked to serious crimes and illegal lending practices.
The seminar also addressed the connection between the casino industry and other serious issues such as human trafficking and forced labor. Ms. Chittawan pointed out that in countries with high levels of corruption, the introduction of casinos could exacerbate problems like money laundering and violent crimes, thus hindering economic growth by deterring investment.
Mr. Atthawich, reflecting on the draft law, mentioned that while the government's exploration of the idea might have positive intentions, the initial draft had many deficiencies. He argued for a more comprehensive approach to developing entertainment complexes, which would include clear specifications for businesses such as hotels, convention centers, and other facilities.
Mr. Attawich expressed concerns over the lack of detailed specifications in the draft, particularly regarding the size and scope of proposed facilities. He warned that without clear guidelines, the law could lead to poorly regulated proliferation of casinos across various regions, potentially causing widespread social issues.
In conclusion, Mr. Atthawich acknowledged the potential benefits of a full-service entertainment business but criticized the current draft for failing to adequately address the complexities of integrating casinos into Thai society. He emphasized the need for a more precise and well-thought-out legal framework to prevent the uncontrolled expansion of casinos and ensure the draft law aligns with its intended purpose.