Thailand’s prominent coalition party, Bhumjaithai, reiterated its support for Pheu Thai’s proposal to legalize casinos on Thursday but expressed concerns about the potential for monopolies to dominate the industry and capture most of the benefits.
According to the Bangkok Post, while Bhumjaithai has consistently backed Pheu Thai’s vision for an entertainment complex, the party is wary of allowing just one or two companies to control the market. This concern was voiced by Korrawee Prissananantakul, an MP (member of Parliament) for Ang Thong Province.
During a joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate discussing the government’s casino plan, Korrawee highlighted Bhumjaithai’s opposition to establishing such a complex in a small city, citing concerns about the potential for unfair income distribution.
He stressed the importance of the government thoroughly assessing the advantages and disadvantages of casino legalization before proceeding.
Previous reports indicated that the Thai government plans to develop three casinos in Bangkok and a total of seven integrated resorts across the country.
Korrawee questioned whether it would be fair for Thai citizens if the government legalized casinos in exchange for concessions estimated at THB1 billion ($30 million) annually. He suggested that the government could consider investing in and operating the casinos itself to generate revenue and support the poor, thus benefiting all Thais rather than just a few investors.
The Pheu Thai Party, a major Thai political party, recently saw Paetongtarn Shinawatra take on the role of Prime Minister. Under her leadership, a new 35-member cabinet has been approved. Of these positions, 17 are filled by members of the Pheu Thai Party, while the remaining 19 are assigned to its coalition partners.
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, father of the current Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and a key figure in Pheu Thai, previously stated that the entertainment complex project would require at least THB100 billion ($3 billion). He also noted that the government could benefit from the project without having to invest directly.
Opposition People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut argued that the government’s major initiatives, including casino legalization, digital wallet distribution, and the Land Bridge project, are likely to benefit private investors.
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat noted that the casino plan has already attracted considerable interest from potential investors. With strong support from coalition parties and a favorable study by the Ministry of Finance, the project is now set to be proposed to the cabinet for approval.
Additionally, in her inaugural policy address to Parliament on Thursday, Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasized the government’s focus on financial stability and increasing revenue, including through the development of large-scale projects such as entertainment complexes.
