Sangsit, an economist, has done plenty of research on the gambling issue and has long advocated the opening of casinos in Thailand.Ī survey from December 6-8 by NIDA Poll suggested that the majority of 1,318 respondents were opposed to the move.Īccording to the poll, 46.51 percent of respondents did not agree with the idea of legalizing casinos, as they were worried about people getting tempted to engage in gambling, family conflicts, rise in household debt, and increase in crime. “It is the best chance in 50 years to legalize casinos,” said Sangsit Piriyarangsan, chairman of the Senate standing committee on poverty and inequality reduction.
Their study is expected to be concluded within 90 days. Thailand took a major step towards legalizing casinos after the House of Representatives voted on December 2 to undertake a feasibility study on allowing gambling dens.īoth the government and opposition MPs have expressed their support to set up entertainment complexes, as new sources of revenue are being eyed after COVID-19 weakened the country’s fiscal position.ĭeputy Transport Minister Atirat Ratanasate was picked to lead the extraordinary House committee looking into the pros and cons of legalizing casinos.Ītirat said that three to five sub-panels would look into various aspects.
