Former Thai House of Representatives member and chairman of the "Anti-Dictatorship Democratic Alliance" red-shirt group, Jatuporn, led several civil groups including the Student People's Reform Thailand Organization, Thai People's Royalist Center, and the Fair Guard Organization, in a protest rally next to the Bangkok Government House on Chamai Maruchet Bridge, Rama V Road, opposing the Thai government's push for the "Comprehensive Entertainment Center" bill.
Raising banners, the anti-casino outcry intensifies
On that day, protesters holding the Thai national flag raised large banners with slogans such as **"Boycott Casinos", "No to Casinos! No to Online Gambling!", "Casinos Out of Thailand!"**, expressing their dissatisfaction with the bill. The crowd of demonstrators included not only Bangkok citizens but also people from Chonburi, Nonthaburi, Loei, Trat, and other regions, with protest voices rising one after another, creating a heated scene.
Police step up security, fences set up around the government building
As the Thai cabinet was holding an important meeting on that day, Bangkok police enhanced security, deploying patrol cars in the rally area and setting up fences around the government building to prevent sudden conflicts. Military and police personnel were also deployed at the scene to maintain order and ensure that the demonstration proceeded peacefully.
Protest organization: If the bill passes, actions will escalate
In an interview with the media, Jatuporn stated that the core goal of this protest was to pressure the government to prevent the cabinet meeting from passing the **"Comprehensive Entertainment Center Act (including legal casinos)"** bill. He emphasized that if the bill is approved, protest actions will escalate, with demonstrators gathering **daily in front of the government building** to continuously express their opposition.
Latest developments: Bill passes, casino proportion not to exceed 10%
According to the latest news, the cabinet meeting on March 27 has passed the "Comprehensive Entertainment Center Act (including legal casinos)" bill, which will be submitted to the parliament for further deliberation. According to the bill, the future casino area in the comprehensive entertainment centers must not exceed 10% of the total area.
Despite the government setting a maximum limit for the casino proportion, opponents believe that this move could still potentially have a negative impact on society. Whether the protest activities will further escalate remains to be seen.
