The Thai Cabinet on Tuesday approved an official request from the Ministry of Finance to withdraw the Entertainment Complex Bill from consideration by the House of Representatives, local media outlet The Nation has reported.
The decision follows a decision by the ruling coalition, led by the Pheu Thai Party, to withdraw the bill given a recent Cabinet reshuffle and the need for the new Cabinet to conduct a full review of the bill.
It is also widely understood that the decision to withdraw the bill from the House agenda is linked to the recent departure of the Bhumjaithai Party from the coalition and mounting political pressure to abandon the plan to legalize casino gaming.
The bill can be resubmitted at a later date.
Jirayu Huangsap, Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, confirmed the Cabinet’s decision to approve withdrawal of the bill on Tuesday afternoon, however Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat reiterated that the bill has not been cancelled, according to The Nation, and will be reintroduced when the time is right.
“While I personally feel regretful, as the delay could result in Thailand losing opportunities to restructure tourism, I believe that when the bill is reconsidered, it will be approved,” he stated.
“The government already holds a majority in Parliament, and I have not heard of any coalition party opposing or planning to vote against it.”
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