Thai Senate to seek clarification from PM on Entertainment Complex Bill
A Senate committee reviewing Thailand’s proposed Entertainment Complex Bill plans to invite Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to present the government’s rationale behind the legislation. The Prime Minister is expected to appear before the committee during its third meeting on 15 May, following ongoing public and political scrutiny of the project.
According to a Bangkok Post report, the Senate committee, chaired by Senator Veerapun Suvannamai, will not hear from the Prime Minister or any other “outsiders” on Thursday, contrary to reports circulated earlier in the week. The upcoming session will instead focus on defining the committee’s framework for evaluating the bill and establishing subcommittees to study its implications.
The local media report said the Senate’s study period is scheduled to last 180 days. At least two subcommittees will be formed: one to assess the project’s economic effects and another to investigate potential social outcomes. The analysis will form the basis for legislative decisions once the bill is reintroduced during the next parliamentary session, which opens on 2 July.
Bill faces delay amid political resistance
The government has delayed its initial plan to present the Entertainment Complex Bill for a first reading in the House of Representatives, initially scheduled for 9 April. The delay follows criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups. They argued that the attempt to fast-track the legislation risked bypassing ethical legislative procedures.
The bill, approved by the Cabinet in March, is part of a broader economic strategy intended to reduce Thailand’s dependence on seasonal tourism. It proposes the creation of integrated entertainment hubs combining hotels, arenas, concert venues, and water parks, with casino facilities limited to 10 percent of the total area.
Government emphasises tourism strategy and oversight
Over the weekend, the Prime Minister defended the bill during her weekly TV programme, saying that the initiative is a comprehensive development strategy rather than a gambling expansion. She has stressed that the complexes will follow regulatory standards similar to those in other countries, including restricted access to casino areas based on legal and financial eligibility.
The government has stated that it will implement strict screening measures to prevent individuals at risk, including those with gambling addiction, from entering casino spaces. It argues that the model is consistent with approaches seen in countries such as Singapore, where integrated resorts operate under tight oversight.
Poll highlights varied opinions on role of gambling in proposed complexes
A recent survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) found that public opinion on the casino element of the bill is mixed. While some respondents acknowledged casinos as a key component, others expressed more interest in the broader entertainment facilities or viewed the issue with indifference.
