For a Thailand official, an appeal for a public hearing on its proposal to build casinos may be redundant.
Thailand's government rejected the call for a referendum on its proposal to approve the building of casinos in integrated resorts.
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said any delay on the measure may incur costs.
“The policy has been made public and approved in parliament by representatives of the people. So, what’s the point of seeking public approval on it again?" Phumtham said.
These remarks came after a Thai lawmaker called for a referendum on legalizing casinos in entertainment complexes due to what he describes as divided public opinion and potential negative impacts.
The government considers integrated resorts to be an important driver of economic growth, he said. Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been promoting the potential of these resorts at campaign events nationwide.
Addressing concerns about regulated gaming, Shinawatra emphasized that the gaming element of each resort would constitute 10% or less of the overall development.
Thailand's government has tasked the Council of State with reviewing the Entertainment Complex Business Act within 50 days, bypassing a referendum due to existing parliamentary approval.Thailand is moving to implement the measure before the end of the year.
Six multinational corporations have expressed interest in developing casino resorts in Thailand, according to Prime Minister's Secretary-General Prommin Lertsuridej. He described these companies as having significant global experience in managing world-class entertainment venues, though he did not disclose their names.
Read related article: Thai Lawmaker Urges Referendum On Casino Bill
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