Opposition warns of ‘shady’ side to casinos

People’s Party wary about changes to government’s ‘ entertainment complex’ program

(Photo: 123RF)
( Photo: 123RF )

Following certain changes to the casino project that it think could lead to shady business dealings, the opposition Women’s Party has warned the authorities about it.

Nont Pisarnlimjaroenkit, a People’s Party MP for Nonthaburi, told parliament that the government led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expects to gain new income by bringing underwater companies into the tax structure.

To overcome illegal gambling and generate more revenue for the nation, this includes an entertainment complex that includes a game.

The government has not yet decided whether it wants the leisure complex to be a sizable investment that foes Macau’s sophisticated casino solutions or one that resembles those operated by neighbouring nations.

Mr. Nont pointed out that Macau’s game providers are unable to draw as many visitors as countries like Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines. He expressed doubts about whether the Thai government could replicate the success of the Macau type in the casino industry. The state has not, nevertheless, anticipated the effects of legalising gambling, he said.

Now, there are few implications for unlawful online and onsite playing. Gamblers face a fine of single 2, 000 ringgit, while users face a fine of 20, 000 to 200, 000 ringgit and/or up to two years in prison. Critics claim that the sentence is very mild.

The entertainment complex do charge Thai nationals a 5, 000 bass admission fee, which might be too much. According to Mr. Nont, for a large entry fee would likely compel them to engage in online or illegal gambling. Before opening a game, Mr. Nont, stronger legal structures were required.

In contrast, he expressed concerns about law enforcement, particularly in light of recent studies that senior officers were engaged in illegal activities and online gaming operations.

An entertainment challenging could be a breeding ground for more dark companies in the future “if these important issues are not resolved,” he said.

The leisure complex act also lessens specific requirements, such as eliminating some options that would have been included, like a huge convention center, a one-stop wellness centre, and five- or six-star hotels.

” We are starting to notice anomalies,” he said, noting that some things have been removed from the requirement to run an entertainment complex.

The program will favor managers or entrepreneurs who can handle the casinos all over the country, he added, instead than having a well-regulated entertainment center. He implored the state to examine all of the site’s features before moving.