Legalised Gambling - Now In Thai

Government Spokesman Sita Divari was speaking about the new plans after a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra about legalising casinos.

Sita said the meeting had agreed with a proposal by House Speaker Uthai Pimchaichon, who suggested that the government opt for smaller provinces with good communications networks for casino and entertainment complex operations - where local residents would benefit from the jobs created by the business and tourism.

Uthai urged against allowing casino operations in big cities such as Chiang Mai and Phuket, since they are already well-known tourist destinations and do not need such business development to attract more people.

Thaksin said a referendum on the issue would be held on the same scale as a general election. "It would not involve just 1,000 to 2,000 people, like a survey," he said.

Asked about the stiff opposition from key senior personalities, Thaksin said he would not rely on the opinions of famous people but only on the majority of the public.

"We have to rely on the majority. Some film stars have spoken out on the topic and the media covers it and jumps to the conclusion that society is not for it," he said.

He added that some people had not listened properly and did not have a full understanding of the issue.

"They stick only to the belief that Thailand should not have gambling, without perhaps realising the fact that we have rampant football gambling. Gamblers also hop on vans to play at casinos in neighbouring countries," he said.

National Economic and Social Advisory Council member Anothai Ritpanyawong said the council had given the Cabinet its opinion against legalising casinos during the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

"We believe that Thai society is not yet ready for it and we are not confident that the government can manage the casino business," he said.
Opposition whip chairman Jurin Laksanawisit attacked the proposal to legalise casinos, saying the motivation behind the proposal is to seek interest from gambling to fund the next general election without taking into account the effects on society.

Deputy Prime Minister Vishanu Krua-ngam denied this, saying the government is aiming for tourism and economic results such as employment.