A special committee currently in the midst of a 180-day study of the Thai government’s Entertainment Complex Bill will reportedly establish two sub-committees tasked with delving deeper into the potential impacts of legalized casinos.
According to a report by The Bangkok Post, the first subcommittee has been tasked with examining possible negative impacts of the bill on society, legal proceedings, the environment, urban planning, the constitution, national development strategies and the process of conducting a public referendum.
The second subcommittee would look at the economic impact of legal casinos, as well as that of online gambling if it were to be included in the bill.
The outlet said both subcommittees are expected to submit reports to the special committee by the end of July. It has also been reported that the committee plans to invite Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to address the committee when it meets again this Thursday 15 May.
The 35-member Senate committee held its first meeting on 23 April, having been established amid rising opposition to the Entertainment Complex Bill and alleged tensions between the ruling Pheu Thai Party and its coalition partners. It has been claimed that many members of the Bhumjaithai Party are personally opposed to the casino bill although the leaders of both parties have downplayed concerns over a split.
