Casino bill sparks row

Critics question govt over withdrawal

- AEKARACH SATTABURUTH

The House of Representatives yesterday voted 253 to 67 to withdraw the Entertainment Complex Bill amid a war of words between Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul and suspended prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra over China's stance on the policy.

The vote took place after opposition MPs urged the government to explain its decision to remove the bill, with the Bhumjaithai Party, now in the opposition camp, urging the Pheu Thai-led government not to resubmit the bill during the current House term. Since the bill was already on the agenda, the cabinet's request to withdraw it required House approval.

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, who spoke on behalf of the cabinet, said the government decided to withdraw the bill to allow for more thorough deliberation following the recent cabinet reshuffle. “Several new cabinet ministers were appointed so it would be appropriate to have the bill considered by them,” he said.

Mr Julapun said the public was also deeply divided over the bill which proposed legalisation of casino operations in entertainment complexes. “Thailand has also faced several problems and we thought it best to avoid another controversial issue to reduce tension,” he added.