Casino bill foes step up protests

Critics of the casino and entertainment complex bill have vowed to step up their protests, following the cabinet's decision to approve the controversial bill yesterday.

- MONGKOL BANGPRAPA WICHIT CHANTANUSORNSIRI

As the cabinet gathered to discuss the bill yesterday, a group of about 80 protesters gathered in front of Government House to protest against the bill. They were part of different groups opposed to the bill, including the Network of Students and People for Thailand's Reform, the Centre of People for the Protection of the Monarchy and the Dharma Army.

One of the protest leaders, Pichit Chaimongkol, said the cabinet is effectively forcing the public to accept the bill despite mounting opposition against the move.

Mr Pichit then questioned why the cabinet was so keen to pass the Casino and Entertainment Complex Bill when it wasn't even listed in Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's policy statement given to parliament.

"The promotion of vices is tantamount to tempting people to take the wrong direction [in life], which is the opposite [of the government's pledge] to improve the people's quality of life and well-being," he said.

Meanwhile, Parit Wacharasindhu, a People's Party (PP) MP, said that the rush to pass the bill despite warnings from critics suggested the government may have a "hidden agenda".