Anutin Charnvirakul has said that he opposes the Entertainment Complex Bill advanced by his predecessor.
Thailand.- Newly appointed prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul has rejected the possible legalisation of casinos in Thailand. Integrated resorts had been championed by Charnvirakul’s predecessor, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, as a means to boost tourism and attract international investment, but Anutin, who took office on September 5, has made it clear that gambling will not be part of his economic strategy.
“If someone says gambling can stimulate the economy, I’d say wait for another prime minister,” Anutin told local media, emphasising his opposition to the Entertainment Complex Bill. The legislation, which proposed combining casinos with hotels, shopping malls, and entertainment venues, was a flagship initiative of the Pheu Thai Party under Shinawatra. However, it was shelved in July when the House of Representatives voted to withdraw it from the parliamentary agenda.
Anutin, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, long opposed casino plan, arguing that it could harm Thailand’s tourism sector. He aid the proposal would lead to a drop in tourists from China, Thailand’s largest source market, after Chinese President Xi Jinping warned that casinos could increase crime and prompt Beijing to curb travel, trade, and investment.
Anutin’s administration is expected to govern for a transitional period of four months before calling new elections follows the ousting of two Pheu Thai prime ministers on ethics violations. The instability has sparked cocerns among investors and the hospitality sector. Dhanakorn Kasetrsuwan, chairman of the Thai National Shippers’ Council, warned of a “wait-and-see climate” that could slow the economy and deter new investments. Bill Barnett of Phuket-based C9Hotelworks expressed concern over lost momentum in the hospitality sector.
Anutin’s stance extends beyond casinos to other gambling reforms. He has signalled a potential rollback of the recognition of poker as a sport, a classification approved by the Sports Authority of Thailand in July. “While I was interior minister, I also said poker shouldn’t be allowed,” he said.
Anutin Charnvirakul has said that he opposes the Entertainment Complex Bill advanced by his predecessor. Thailand.- Newly appointed prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul has rejected the possible legalisation of casinos in…
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