Recently, discussions about the "Entertainment Complex" bill have attracted widespread attention. To assess its impact, the Senate decided to postpone the originally scheduled referendum and set up a special committee for in-depth study. Meanwhile, the People's Power Party of Thailand also proposed an urgent motion to include disaster response in the agenda and discussed the earthquake issue for the first time, ultimately leading the government to prioritize discussions on earthquake disasters.
The national referendum is still undecided, increasing pressure on the parliament
On April 2nd at 11 AM, Senate spokesperson Phisit Apiwattanapong announced that the meeting on April 8th will consider the proposal to establish a special committee, which will assess the impact of the "Entertainment Complex" bill. Senator Sorachat Wichaya Suwannaprom stated that the government has submitted the proposal for parliamentary discussion, however, the opposition disagrees. The opposition believes that this bill has a profound impact on the public, requires more detailed research, and advocates for a national referendum to decide whether to allow casinos.
Government intervention in disaster response
During this period, the spokesperson for the Justice Party of the Thai People, Akkharadet Wongpitakroj, intervened and proposed an urgent motion regarding disaster response, calling for a review of Thailand's natural disaster response measures. Given the urgency of the recent earthquake disaster, the government whip Wisut Chainarun decided to focus on the earthquake issue in the parliamentary meeting on April 3rd, postponing the discussion of the "Entertainment Complex" bill.
Civil organizations protest the government's delay in addressing disaster issues
Meanwhile, over 100 civil society organizations jointly submitted a protest letter to the parliament, opposing the hasty advancement of the "Entertainment Complex" bill while the earthquake disaster has not yet been properly resolved. Thanakorn Khomkrit, Secretary-General of the Gambling Prevention Foundation, expressed that the government appears indifferent during disasters, instead urgently pushing for an untimely bill.
Moral investigation demands investigation into the Prime Minister
Chittawan Chanakul, a lecturer at the College of Economics of the Thai Agricultural University, requested a moral investigation into Prime Minister Padongdan Sinawa, criticizing him for still promoting the establishment of the casino bill during the severe earthquake disaster. In response, the Prime Minister claimed that the bill aims to combat illegal gambling, but this has raised public concerns about the government concealing the truth and distorting facts for personal gain.
Opposition leader questions the bill
Opposition leader Natthaphong Rueangpanyawut also expressed concerns about the speed of the bill's advancement. He is worried about the haste in deliberation, emphasizing that the process should be made public and fair through a national referendum. The opposition caucus calls on the government not to promote the bill to cater to the interests of specific capital groups, and to fully listen to the public's voice.
"Retirement Lottery Act" draft passed
In another agenda of the parliament, the "Retirement Lottery Act" draft was unanimously passed. The bill aims to encourage the public to save for retirement, through lotteries issued by the Government Savings Bank. The plan is expected to attract a large number of people to participate, providing financial support for Thailand's aging society.
Nepalese Prime Minister visits Thailand, promoting bilateral cooperation
Thai Prime Minister Padongdan Sinawa welcomed Nepalese Prime Minister Ka Paterson Sama Oli for an official visit. This visit marks a further deepening of the friendly diplomatic relations between the two countries for 66 years, with discussions on strengthening cooperation in agriculture, tourism, and medical services. Additionally, the two sides signed eight agreements, further promoting trade and cultural exchanges.
Progress in Bay of Bengal economic cooperation
The two sides also discussed Bay of Bengal economic cooperation and decided to promote maritime transport cooperation at the upcoming sixth summit of the Bay of Bengal Multisectoral Economic and Technical Cooperation Organization, to enhance the economic potential and regional connectivity of the Bay of Bengal.
Min Aung Hlaing to attend BIMSTEC summit
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikornadet Plangoon announced that Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing will attend the BIMSTEC senior officials meeting in Bangkok on April 4th. This marks Myanmar's active participation in regional economic cooperation.
