CASINO BILL HITS HARD WALL

The fate of the casino-entertainment complex bill hangs in the balance after the Pheu Thai-led government backed away from its bid to push the bill through parliament in a hurry following strong opposition from various sectors.

- AEKARACH SATTABURUTH

The government has decided to postpone the casino-entertainment complex bill until the next parliamentary session, which is due to start on July 2.

Observers believe the bill faces significant hurdles ahead and is unlikely to pass parliament, particularly after Chaichanok Chidchob, the secretary-general of the Bhumjaithai Party — a government coalition member opposed the bill in parliament.

This prompted Interior Minister and Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul to play down talk of tensions within the party and the coalition.

Mr Anutin, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said he had spoken with Newin Chidchob, the party's founder and Mr Chaichanok's father, and insisted the matter was not a cause for concern.

Observers also believe some senators linked to the so-called "blue" party - a reference to Bhumjaithai will not support the bill.

At the same time, critics from outside parliament have threatened to hold rallies if the measure goes ahead, amid dire predictions about what the change could do to Pheu Thai's electoral fortunes come the next election. What the party sees as a winner for the economy could end up costing it valuable political support.

Bhumjaithai has a strong base of supporters in Buri Ram, and the majority of the 200-member Senate is believed to be close to the party.

The bill was initially scheduled for a first reading in the House of Representatives on April 9, but the government's attempt to fast-track its deliberation met with pushback.

Critics have raised concerns about the lack of a comprehensive study and warned the government risks violating ethics rules if it continues pushing for the casino-entertainment complex bill. However, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is also Pheu Thai leader, stressed the government has not withdrawn the bill.

She said it will continue gathering public input and clearly communicating the project's intent.