Opposition to Thailand's controversial 'casino bill' gathers momentum

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) - Opposition to a proposed bill is gaining momentum in Thailand as parliament is set to start deliberations on the controversial proposal to legalize gambling in designated "entertainment complexes" to boost tourism and create jobs, according to media reports Sunday.

Doctors, academics and schools are joining anti-casino protests ahead of deliberation by the House of Representatives on the Entertainment Complex Bill next week, the Bangkok Post reported.

The proposed law would allow casinos to be set up within tourism complexes, including theme parks, water parks, hotels and shopping malls.

Dozens of doctors from Chulalongkorn University came out Saturday against the bill, arguing that legalizing casinos and online gambling will only worsen social problems and leave people trapped "in a maze of gambling, increasing crime rates, drug problems, human trafficking, money laundering and other shady businesses."

"The economy will not improve as claimed, but it (legal casinos) will be a catastrophe for the country,” they said in a statement that urged the government to withdraw the bill "for the sake of social stability."​​​​​​​

Other groups have also joined the protest campaign, including members of the Academy of Moral and Political Science at the Royal Society of Thailand, demanding the government cancel or delay the bill.

The Catholic Education Council of Thailand also took a stand against the casino bill, arguing that gambling undermines morality.

"The council has called on the government to protect children by scrapping the plan to legalise casinos and online gambling and look for ways to promote a sustainable and fair economy without relying on income from gambling,” it said in a statement.

Jatuporn Prompan, leader of the People's Unity Group, urged the public to join a protest Wednesday against the first reading of the bill.

The Cabinet of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra approved the bill in January.

Gambling in Thailand is currently only legal on certain state-run horse races and an official lottery, but illicit betting is extensive.

The bill aims to increase revenue, support investment in Thailand and solve illegal gambling, according to the government.

*Writing by Aamir Latif