Casino bill hits wall

Bangkok Post The government cannot keep postponing deliberation of the bill if it continues to face resistance.

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He said the government must hold a referendum to let the public decide whether casinos should be permitted in the country.

The government is trying to push the bill and then backs off when facing opposition. A referendum is the only solution.

“Many people are still concerned about the negative effects of legal casinos. Many say the bill may violate the constitution.

“If the government presses ahead with the bill, it will face strong resistance which could lead to the government crumbling. Therefore, it must hold a referendum to seek public support,” Mr Siththorn said.

He said it is unlikely the entertainment complex project will materialise during the remaining two years of the government’s term unless the referendum is held in gauge public opinion.

However, even if the bill is rejected by parliament, some vested interests are expected to continue pushing for similar bills in the future, he said.

Siththorn: Postponing talks won’t help

In the past, such bills were proposed by various groups as measures to address economic problems facing the country at the time, Mr Siththorn said.