According to the Bangkok Post, representatives of the People’s Party and a coalition of civil society groups gathered outside Government House to submit a petition to the currently suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

Protesters argue that the bill, which proposes the development of integrated resorts with casinos, will increase social tension and divert attention from more urgent issues such as the economy, environmental crises, and political instability.

Thanakorn Khomkrit, Secretary-General of the Stop Gambling Foundation and leader of the coalition, stated that withdrawing the bill would help restore public trust and prevent long-term negative consequences for society.

Concerns have also been raised about the management structure of the proposed entertainment complexes and the lack of mechanisms for social accountability, as well as safeguards to mitigate potential harm to local communities.

“If the government truly listened to the concerns of the opposition and civil society, it would have already withdrawn the bill,” said People’s Party MP Parit Wacharasindhu.

Earlier, the Cabinet failed to reach a decision to remove the bill from the parliamentary agenda. As a result, the draft legislation is scheduled to be the first item debated when the House reconvenes on July 9.

Alongside the protests, the future of the bill remains increasingly uncertain amid the ongoing political crisis following the suspension of Paetongtarn Shinawatra. She was suspended from office on July 1 by the country’s Constitutional Court following a petition calling for her removal.

Public outrage erupted after a leaked recording of a phone call between Shinawatra and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, in which she appeared to criticize the Thai army’s actions in the ongoing border conflict with Cambodia.

Despite issuing a public apology, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Bangkok demanding her immediate resignation. Soon after, the Bhumjaithai Party withdrew from the ruling coalition, leaving Shinawatra without a parliamentary majority.

She now has 15 days to submit evidence in her defense. If ultimately removed from power, Thailand will face new elections, which will likely delay consideration of the casino bill. It is also unclear whether her successor will support the legalization of casinos with the same enthusiasm.

Source