Tourism trade voices unease over pushing the casino bill

With House dissolution looming, tourism operators have warned the government not to rush into the controversial casino legalisation attached to the Entertainment Complex Bill, as it carries a high risk of provoking street protests and jeopardising the fragile tourism industry.

- NARUMON KASEMSUK

Political instability is occurring at an inopportune time, as the border dispute with Cambodia remains unresolved.

Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association, said with or without coalition partner Bhumjaithai Party, this government is expected to have a short tenure, as political analysts believe the House might be dissolved within the next year, before its four-year term, attributed to growing rifts between coalition parties.