Critics urge govt to withdraw two bills

A coalition of civic groups and the opposition People’s Party (PP) have called on the government to withdraw two controversial bills, one aimed at legalising casino-entertainment complexes and another amending the country’s gambling laws to allow online betting.

- AEKARACH SATTABURUTH

Led by Thanakorn Khomkrit, secretary-general of the Stop Gambling Foundation, protesters gathered outside the Government House yesterday to submit a petition to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, now suspended, who is also the Pheu Thai Party's leader. The petition was received by Sompas Nilphan, an adviser to the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office.

Mr Thanakorn said the bills could fuel social division and distract from more urgent issues such as the economy, environmental crises, and political instability.