Delay likely so that new cabinet can review casino bill
Speaking at a forum hosted by the Press Council of Thailand to mark its 28th anniversary on Friday, Mr Julapun said government whips and cabinet representatives have discussed the possibility of delaying the bill for a thorough review by the new ministers.
He dismissed speculation that the bill's fate was tied to the recent withdrawal of the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) from the coalition, saying the coalition still commands a majority that is enough to secure its passage.
However, Mr Julapun noted that due to the major cabinet reshuffle, fresh input from the new ministers on the highly contentious issue is welcome. There are also calls for the government to first address ongoing Thai-Cambodian border tensions, he added.
According to the minister, the formal withdrawal of the bill typically requires a resolution by the cabinet, and the bill could be withdrawn immediately if the House raises no objections.
Mr Julapun admitted that the opposition might push for deliberation and vote the bill down.
"But the government is confident it has sufficient support to either delay deliberation or withdraw the bill for review," he said.
The bill, which seeks to establish integrated entertainment complexes that include casinos, was originally scheduled to be the first item on the House agenda on July 9.
It was to be followed by four other bills related to social harmony and political amnesty.
Mr Julapun also dismissed any connection between the government's casino policy and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen's recent criticism of Thailand, saying the decision to delay it is primarily to allow for further review and ease political tensions.
Visuth Chainaroon, the chief government whip, yesterday echoed the need for its withdrawal, citing the coalition's slim majority and an unfavourable political climate.
He said he discussed the matter with Prime Minister's Office Minister Chusak Sirinil, and both agreed that a postponement could still intensify public pressure, making a full withdrawal the better course of action.
"If the new cabinet is ready, it can resubmit the bill. But it must engage with the public first, as this bill has wide-ranging repercussions," he said.
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Ms Paetongtarn insisted the bill had not been withdrawn, but she said there were more urgent issues such as the United States' reciprocal tariff measures to focus on. The draft legislation was initially scheduled to top the House agenda on July 9, ahead of four political amnesty and reconciliation bills. However, comments by Mr Julapun last week suggested it may be postponed or even dropped. Tactical retreat? Political analysts view the government's move to postpone deliberation or withdraw the bill as a strategic move amid intensifying public and political pressure. The current political situation draws comparisons to the political crisis that followed the Yingluck Shinawatra administration's passage of the amnesty bill in late 2013. Yuttaporn Isarachai, a political scientist from Sukhothaithammathirat University, said the casino-entertainment complex policy is not off the table, but the political climate leaves no room for missteps. 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Other partners such as the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party and Democrat Party may have to weigh the political costs of supporting the bill. Second, public discontent over the government's handling of the Thai-Cambodia territorial dispute is gaining momentum, he said, adding protests against the casino-entertainment policy could gain even more traction if the bill proceeds. When the bill was first placed on the House agenda earlier this year, it sparked protests led by the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand (NSPRT). Though the demonstrations subsided after the session ended in April, public sentiment against the bill remains. Mr Olarn said the government might wait for public sentiments to cool off before reviving the bill, but he noted it could be wishful thinking as protests seem to be increasingly justified. The analyst said the opposition People's Party (PP), which has expressed interest in legalising gambling, would likely distance itself from the casino bill for now and focus on the amnesty proposal, which serves its political interests. "If the PP and Pheu Thai share the belief that the old power bloc is aiming to topple Thaksin and Ms Paetongtarn, they may form an alliance for long-term goals and eventually realign on the bill. "But for now, Pheu Thai must survive the fragile coalition and avoid inflaming street protests," he said. Fears of legal gambling Government spokesman Jirayu Huangsap said the bill underwent four rounds of public hearings. The final round was held from Feb 28 to March 14 with 71,289 participants. Of the total respondents, about 80%, or 57,000 people, expressed support for the bill. Despite these figures, the network of anti-gambling advocates remains sceptical due to weak law enforcement. They are also worried the bill could be altered during the examination and the final version could be far worse than the one proposed by the Finance Ministry. Thanakorn Khomkrit, secretary-general of the Stop Gambling Foundation, said the group wants the bill withdrawn entirely, not merely postponed. If the government strengthens its majority in the future, the bill could be brought back. Under the current charter, the bill will remain on the House agenda unless it is formally withdrawn or parliament is dissolved, or the House completes its full term. As long as the bill has not yet passed its first reading, it can be dropped only under those conditions. However, if the bill passes its first reading, deliberation can resume within six months of the first parliamentary session. Mr Thanakorn raised concern over regulatory loopholes and inadequate safeguards, saying they offer no guarantee that the government will be able to control casino operations. He also feared the bill could pave way for legalising online gambling. "At the moment, online gambling isn't discussed. But who knows when it might sneak in later," he said. Despite his group's stance against the casino bill, Mr Thanakorn said the group's objection is issue-specific and they have no plan to join the anti-government protests. Revised draft The bill, revised by the Council of State, included major changes in four areas. First, the prime minister and the interior minister are jointly responsible for enforcing the law. Previously, this role was solely assigned to the prime minister. Second, the policy committee is empowered to review and make recommendations on key issues for cabinet consideration including designated zones for entertainment complexes. Third, the policy committee will appoint the director of the entertainment complex office, without requiring prior cabinet approval. Fourth, the policy committee must present a detailed policy framework to the cabinet and this includes the number of licences to be issued, designated areas for entertainment complexes, investment plans and safeguards for social impacts. The Council of State also introduced new regulations including a 10% cap on casino operations, classification of licensed operators as financial institutions subject to the anti-money laundering laws, mandatory deposits of no less than 50 million baht for at least six consecutive months for Thai nationals to be allowed to gamble in the entertainment complexes.
