Thailand to withdraw casino bill as ruling bloc hit by crisis
A motion to withdraw the so-called 'entertainment complex' bill from the current session of parliament will be raised on Wednesday when it was previously slotted for consideration, chief government whip Visuth Chainaroon told reporters on Monday.
The government had earlier indicated that it would delay the introduction of the bill — set to be the first major agenda after the House of Representatives reconvened last week — saying it needed more time to communicate with the public and address their concerns about problem gambling and money laundering.
The move to pull the bill came after the ruling alliance was pushed to the brink by the exit of the Bhumjaithai Party, which had opposed the bill, and the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for an alleged ethical misconduct.
Ms Paetongtarn also faces other legal challenges after coming under fire for a leaked phone conversation with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, in which she was critical of the Thai army's role in an ongoing border standoff with the neighboring country.
Without a clear majority, the government may face challenges in passing controversial or essential bills that have been lined up in the coming months. The budget bill for next fiscal year from October is also expected to be taken up for the second and third readings in August.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Bangkok Post
5 hours ago
- Bangkok Post
Thailand-Cambodia border row goes to UN boss
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it blames Cambodia for breaking its own promise to resolve border issues with Thailand through bilateral mechanisms agreed upon by both countries. Responding to an attempt by Cambodia to take the border dispute to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) after an earlier approach to the International Court of Justic e (ICJ), ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura on Sunday outlined actions the Thai government has taken in response. The diplomatic exchange began when Cambodia's Permanent Representative to the UN in New York sent a letter to the UN Secretary-General on June 16, asking that the matter be circulated as an official UNGA document under Agenda Item 32 of the 79th Session of the UNGA: Prevention of Armed Conflict. Cambodia also indicated its intention to pursue the case through the ICJ. In response, on June 19, Thailand's Permanent Representative to the United Nations submitted a formal letter to the UN Secretary-General, enclosing a statement by the Thai government on the Thailand–Cambodia border situation, dated June 18, said Mr Nikorndej. The document provided a detailed explanation of Thailand's position, actions, and legal basis concerning the issue, reaffirming its adherence to international law and the provisions of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two countries, he said. The government reiterated that both sides had committed to solving all border-related matters through bilateral negotiations, specifically under the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) framework, which remains binding, he said. Thailand also asked that both the signed letter and statement be circulated as a UNGA document under Agenda Item 32 in the same manner as Cambodia's submission. The UN Secretary-General has now formally registered both Cambodia's and Thailand's letters as requested. "This procedural step effectively circulates both communications to all 193 UN member states, placing each country's position on the record and ensuring the broader international community is informed of the respective stances," he said. The ministry added the 2000 MoU which both countries have signed clearly stipulates that both nations must discuss border issues through the JBC. The MoU does not allow them to use any other mechanisms -- including the ICJ -- and Thailand has always followed the MoU strictly as compliance was in accordance with the principles of international laws and treaties, the ministry said. "Therefore, it is not Thailand that is in violation of the obligations made under international law by using mechanisms outside what was previously agreed upon," the ministry said. Thailand had used the JBC and equivalents to resolve border issues with other neighbouring countries, the ministry said. Its land border negotiations with Laos and Malaysia were 90% completed through their JBC.
Bangkok Post
7 hours ago
- Bangkok Post
Thailand to withdraw casino bill as ruling bloc hit by crisis
The government will withdraw a controversial bill to legalise casinos from parliament following mounting public opposition and a fresh bout of political turmoil that has reduced the ruling coalition's majority. A motion to withdraw the so-called 'entertainment complex' bill from the current session of parliament will be raised on Wednesday when it was previously slotted for consideration, chief government whip Visuth Chainaroon told reporters on Monday. The government had earlier indicated that it would delay the introduction of the bill — set to be the first major agenda after the House of Representatives reconvened last week — saying it needed more time to communicate with the public and address their concerns about problem gambling and money laundering. The move to pull the bill came after the ruling alliance was pushed to the brink by the exit of the Bhumjaithai Party, which had opposed the bill, and the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for an alleged ethical misconduct. Ms Paetongtarn also faces other legal challenges after coming under fire for a leaked phone conversation with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, in which she was critical of the Thai army's role in an ongoing border standoff with the neighboring country. Without a clear majority, the government may face challenges in passing controversial or essential bills that have been lined up in the coming months. The budget bill for next fiscal year from October is also expected to be taken up for the second and third readings in August.
Bangkok Post
9 hours ago
- Bangkok Post
Cambodia ready to pay cost of returning artefacts from Thailand
Cambodia is willing to cover the cost of returning 20 antiquities from Thailand, Cambodian Culture and Fine Arts Minister Phoeurng Sackona has said. The Cambodian minister said in a letter to her new Thai counterpart, Culture Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, that Cambodia would finance the transport of the artefacts. There was no need to wait for Thailand to do it, the Khmer Times reported on Monday, citing information from Agence Kampuchea Press. Ms Paetongtarn, who was suspended from the premiership last week, on Friday put the brakes on the return of the items, citing budget constraints. It was her first decision on taking over at the Culture Ministry, amid continued strained ties between the two neighbours. "Given the current situation between Thailand and Cambodia, the Culture Ministry recommends a further review," she said. The Cambodian minister wants Thailand to abide by the agreement made by the two countries last year to hand over the artefacts to Cambodia. The two countries had planned a handing over ceremony for the 20 artefacts this month, with the transporting process to start in August. That is now on indefinite hold.
