As the Thai government pushes forward the "Entertainment Complex Act" to pave the way for the legalization of casinos, tourism representatives have voiced their concerns, urging the authorities to reconsider. They warn that hasty legislation amid the current political uncertainty could lead to social unrest and further undermine confidence in tourism and investment.
According to the Bangkok Post, with ongoing speculation about the possible dissolution of parliament and internal discord within the ruling coalition, tourism operators believe that now is not the best time to advance the controversial gambling issue.
Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotel Association, stated that the tourism and hotel industry is currently more focused on economic recovery and regional security, "Border issues and economic stimulus plans are the current priorities over gambling legislation."
He expressed concerns about the government's claim that legislation can be enacted without a national referendum, especially when the draft is not fully disclosed. If pushed forward forcefully, it will inevitably face strong public backlash, endangering social stability.
Chaiyapatranun advocates that if the bill is to be advanced, it should first undergo a national referendum and ensure that the policy-making process is open and transparent. He also acknowledged the government's efforts to stimulate the economy, but emphasized that casino legislation, without social consensus, will struggle to gain industry support.
Meanwhile, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Thai Travel Agents Association, noted that the tourism sector suffers from a lack of policy continuity, particularly with frequent changes in the tourism minister, which exacerbates the industry's unease about government decisions.
The situation is further complicated as the Thai People's Party, holding 69 seats, has publicly opposed the casino plan and exited the ruling coalition. Public opposition is also growing, with over 53,000 people signing a petition this week demanding a referendum on the legalization of casinos.
The tourism industry generally believes that if the government proceeds unilaterally, it could not only cause social divisions but also affect Thailand's image in attracting foreign investment and long-term development.
