The Thai government has decided to postpone the review of a bill involving the construction of a casino complex and give priority to other legislative proposals.
The Thai government has decided to postpone the review of a bill aimed at establishing casino-integrated entertainment complexes, prioritizing other legislative matters instead. According to multiple Thai media outlets, the decision comes amid growing public opposition, with the government opting to delay the bill before Parliament reconvenes next week.
Deputy Transport Minister Manapong Jareonsri revealed that the ruling Pheu Thai Party has requested to move the casino entertainment bill to the end of the legislative agenda to allow bills related to social reconciliation and political amnesty to be discussed first. As a result, the casino bill, originally scheduled for priority review on July 9, has been postponed. She stressed that the move is primarily in response to public opinion rather than pressure from opposition parties.
Notably, although casinos would account for only 10% of the integrated entertainment complexes, the bill has continued to face criticism and skepticism from various social groups and civic organizations.
Jareonsri also mentioned that three out of four related bills on Bangkok’s 20-baht flat-rate electric train fare have already been reviewed. The final bill, which details the unified fare structure, is expected to pass the committee stage soon. The new fare policy is anticipated to take effect between September and October this year, and while some senators with ties to the Pheu Thai Party may oppose it, overall support from the ruling coalition remains likely.
