The Thailand government is set to withdraw its controversial Entertainment Complex Bill from the agenda for the current session of the House, a key representative said Monday.
According to local media reports, chief government whip Visuth Chainaroon confirmed that a motion to withdraw the bill would be presented to parliament when the next session resumes on Wednesday. This comes after the government stated late last week that it may withdraw the bill to allow a thorough review by the new-look cabinet following the recent withdrawal from the coalition of the Bhumjaithai Party.
The bill can be resubmitted at a later date.
The decision to withdraw comes with the government under pressure given Bhumjaithai’s departure and the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra by the constitutional court pending an investigation into her leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.
It had previously been noted by government representatives that delaying the bill was necessary to provide more time to better educate the public on exactly what an entertainment complex is and how they can be of benefit.
The Entertainment Complex Bill was originally scheduled for House discussion this Wednesday before being moved to the bottom of the agenda following Bhumjaithai’s departure.
It remains unclear if or when the issue of legalizing casino gaming will be revisited.