Thailand reschedules its Entertainment Bill parliamentary session until July
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has confirmed that consideration of the country’s Entertainment Complex Bill will be postponed until the next parliamentary session, due to the tragedy of the recent earthquake along with the US tariff hike, both of which demand immediate attention.
The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to voice that some politicians are attempting to distort the bill’s real meaning and aim.
Speaking as chair of a meeting of senior government officials at the Ministry level, she said: “Entertainment complex does not mean casino. The complex will include a casino, but only 10 per cent of the total area will be dedicated to this purpose. It will not allow anyone to open a casino anywhere in Thailand.”
“Each complex will feature several hotels and restaurants, creating jobs for thousands of people. This will help boost the local economy, while the profits from the casino will be used to repay the investment costs,” she added.
With criticism coming in from the Buddhist Association of Thailand, who said ‘Thailand should be a land of dharma, not a land of vice,’ the Prime Minister said she would be doubling down to pass the bill.
“We will not withdraw it but we will continue to listen to all opinions, she said.
Deliberation of the bill will resume in July, when the Thai parliament holds its next session
