May come before MPs on April 9: Wisut
PUBLISHED: 31 Mar 2025 at 04: 49
Parliament will probably examine the entertainment complex costs by April 9, general government punch Wisut Chainarun says.
Mr Wisut, even a Pheu Thai list-MP, on Sunday provided an upgrade on the development of the act that was approved by the government on March 27, saying legislature has never received confirmation on when it will be submitted.
If it does not arrive in time for assessment on April 3, it will likely be considered on April 9, he says.
The costs will be given enough time in the House, he said. Alliance MPs are likely to give the invoice a go-ahead, while speaks with the criticism about the problem have not been held, he said.
However, tourism users in Phuket have backed the act as it could generate economic development.
However, Phuket Tourist Association ( PTA ) president Thanet Tantipiriyakit said a world-class entertainment venue, without a casino at the site, would attract more family-oriented travellers.
There are other kinds of projects that could help attract quality visitors to spend more time in Phuket, said Mr Thanet, including a world-class water garden, a activities complex on par with international norms, a cultural and arts center or a theme park.
Now, visitors stay in Phuket for 5–8 days and are generally drawn by its sandy beaches, he said, adding a well-designed leisure complex could expand their stay.
He also pointed out that tourists who come to gamble may not significantly contribute to the local economy, as they tend to spend only within casino premises.
The government says the entertainment complex bill aims to drive the economy by lessening the dependency on seasonal tourism.
Under the current version of the bill, complexes will mostly comprise concert halls, indoor sports arenas, water parks and/or hotels, while casinos will only account for 10 % of the space.
This project is expected to bring in 119–283 billion baht a year and increase the number of foreign travellers in Thailand by 5–10 %.
However, political activist Jatuporn Prompan during a protest in front of Government House on Saturday said legalising gambling will bring about social troubles such as crime and family problems.
He said he had invited a monk to give a sermon about the negative effects of gambling on April 1 for cabinet to listen to.