Coalition in crisis

The juggling of key laws amnesty legislation vs the Entertainment Complex Bill - sparks debate about the govt's motives, writes Aekarach Sattaburuth

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Amnesty bills are now taking precedence over the more controversial Entertainment Complex Bill as the administration walks a political tightrope, with critics wondering if the move is a sincere attempt to reconcile a fragmenting coalition or rather a strategic manoeuvre by an embattled government.

As the House of Representatives held its first day of debate after it reconvened on July 3, the government has postponed the Entertainment Complex Bill — which would legalise casinos within certain parameters in favour of advancing four amnesty-related draft bills.

This has sparked widespread speculation about political motives, coalition dynamics, and the real intent behind the move.

STRATEGIC RETREAT

The decision to delay deliberation of the Entertainment Complex Bill stems from fears that the government, now sitting on a thin majority, lacks sufficient parliamentary support to pass the legislation.

With the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) having recently joined the opposition, the coalition has lost at least 69 crucial votes.

The Democrat Party, which has 25 seats, and the Prachachat Party (nine seats), which opposes the bill on religious grounds, have also indicated some resistance.

Meanwhile, the position of the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party, which has 36 seats, remains uncertain due to an ongoing internal rift. Faced with this fragility, the government chose to avoid risking an early defeat by shelving the bill for now.

AMNESTY BILLS STEAL THE SPOTLIGHT

Instead, the House will begin discussions on four amnesty bills: a people's amnesty bill (proposed by civil society), a general amnesty bill (proposed by the main opposition People’s Party, or PP), a peace-building bill (put forth by the Thai Teachers for the People Party), and a peace-building bill (sponsored by the UTN Party).