Former Thai Senator Jermsak Pintong posted an article on his Facebook titled "15 Questions the Government Needs to Answer Before Establishing Legal Casinos and Online Gambling in Thailand," raising a series of doubts and concerns.
Here is the translation of the article: (Translator: Nara)
1. What are the motivations behind the government's push for the development of casinos and online gambling?
Is it, as some observers suggest, driven by the interests of both domestic and foreign large capitals?
2. What is the annual flow of funds in the gambling industry?
In casinos and gambling, some people win money while others lose. What is the total amount lost? Who gains this money? How much profit does the government receive? What percentage is taken by foreign or local operators?
3. How does gambling revenue enhance the national economy?
According to the National Economic and Social Development Council, gambling revenues cannot be included in the national income because it merely transfers funds from one person to another without generating any substantial productive activity. If so, what is the basis for the government's claim that gambling significantly improves national income?
4. Does gambling waste social resources and time?
How many people participate in gambling each year, thereby wasting time and production opportunities? Especially as Thailand enters an aging society with a gradually decreasing working population, how would Thailand's productivity be affected if a large number of workers waste time and opportunities on gambling?
5. Does gambling attract more foreign tourists?
Foreign tourists usually come to Thailand to appreciate natural scenery and experience Thai culture. Do artificially created gambling entertainment facilities really attract more tourists? How many new tourists can casinos bring, and are these tourists the type that Thais welcome?
6. Why adopt a large private enterprise franchise model?
Why does the government choose to monopolize operations through private large enterprises rather than selecting quality operators through public bidding and obtaining higher returns? If the operator is a foreign enterprise, will there be restrictions on capital outflow?
7. What learning opportunities can casinos provide for Thais?
What skills or attitudes can Thais learn through legal casinos? Would they miss certain learning and development opportunities without casinos?
8. Can participation in gambling be effectively restricted to specific groups?
If the government sets qualifications for participation in gambling, can it be strictly enforced? Once implemented, will illegal casinos still exist?
9. Is it appropriate to use Singapore's successful casinos as a case study?
Singapore is a small developed country with a well-established education and economic system, lacking natural and cultural resources, but with strict law enforcement. In contrast, Thailand's society is very different. Are the failed casino cases in Myanmar and Cambodia more alarming?
10. Do casinos contribute to the growth of the grey and black economy?
Can casinos become hotbeds for crimes such as money laundering, online fraud, and human trafficking? Will these activities spread from the borders to major Thai cities? What protective measures does the government have?
11. Does gambling exacerbate social problems?
Gambling can lead to increased crime rates, family breakdowns, and higher suicide rates. Are the police and relevant departments prepared to address these issues?
12. Does gambling increase social costs?
Gambling has been proven to be an addictive behavior. The psychological issues of gamblers can lead to health costs and loss of work efficiency. Has the government considered these potential costs?
13. Does gambling convey the wrong values?
Do government officials want their family members to become addicted to gambling? If they hope to profit from other gamblers while their own family remains unaffected, does this double standard reflect a shortsighted set of values?
14. Does the legalization of gambling require a national referendum?
Throughout Thai history, successive monarchs have tried to abolish gambling. But why is the current government promoting the legalization of casinos and online gambling instead? Is a national referendum necessary?
15. Does the government lack long-term vision?
Past leaders focused on building temples and religious sites to cultivate human resources and long-term social development. However, the current leaders are promoting casinos, artificial entertainment venues, and online gambling. Does this shortsighted behavior risk plunging Thailand into greater social problems in the future?
These 15 questions reflect the multifaceted concerns of Thai society regarding the legalization of casinos and online gambling, emphasizing the potential impacts on economic, social, cultural, and legal aspects, and calling for the government to provide detailed responses and well-considered planning.
