Thailand’s government has given the nation’s Council of State 50 days to review the Entertainment Complex Business Act and forward it to the nation’s House, while negating the need for a referendum, given the policy’s approval by parliament.
According to the Bangkok Post, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai says that a delay to the bill would be detrimental to the economy, negating a need for a referendum but saying the government is welcome to opinions on policy.
“The policy has been made public and approved in parliament by representatives of the people. So, what’s the point of seeking public approval on it again?” queried the official.
The Secretary-General of the Council of State indicated that the government had tagged the bill as urgent, noting that the council has no authority to call for a referendum on it.
Opposition voices are calling for the public to be allowed to study the bill’s details, while not negating its positive potential to control underground gambling.
