Thailand’s Prime Minister puts the brakes on new Entertainment-Casino Bill

Thailand’s youngest-ever Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra has slowed the progress of a prospective Entertainment-Casino Bill.

The move comes as opposition grows towards both the Prime Minister’s political stance on certain issues, and the prospective passing of a bill that would divide parliamentary representatives.

One-hundred and eighty nine former Senators have signed a letter of opposition to the passing of the bill which they feel would bring a negative impact on Thailand’s society.

According to the Bangkok Post, Shinawatra laid down a hurdle for the progress of the legislation. The thirty-eight-year-old cancelled discussions on the prospective Entertainment-Casino Bill, saying “We are not in a hurry.”

Opposition members have been vocal about the need for a review of the bill, with the National United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship’s former leader leading a protest march toward a government building. The march and the protest gained 112,498 signatures to defy the gambling implications of the legislation.

If the bill were to go ahead this would drive much-needed tourism and national investment through a host of new locations across Thailand according to legislators.

This includes a Jurassic World: The Experience immersive dinosaur attraction in connection with Universal Pictures that investors hope will build on the 1.67 trillion baht in revenue that is generated annually through tourism.

Shinawatra continued, “We had better focus more on accuracy and appropriateness to prevent more conflicts from happening.”

Thailand has been in turmoil with Mrs. Shinawatra recovering her position as the leader of the country after a vote of no confidence and a major earthquake has tested the country’s response infrastructure.

Reuters reported that she came through the two-day test of her leadership with 319 of 488 lawmakers siding in her favor.

Her victory came despite political opponents feeling that the young Prime Minister lacked the political acumen, experience and had a conflict of interest due to her wealthy family ties.

“Every vote, both support and against will be the strength for me and the cabinet to continue our work for the people,” she said on social media platform X in the wake of the decision.

Image: Pexels.

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