PUBLISHED: 13 Sep 2024 at 05: 00
Bhumjaithai, a crucial partnership group, yesterday reiterated its support for Pheu Thai’s thought of legalising games, but it also voiced concern over possible conglomerates reaping most of the advantages.
Bhumjaithai has always objected to Pheu Thai’s leisure complex plan, but it does not want to see only one or two firms dominating the economy, says Korrawee Prissananantakul, a Bhumjaithai MP for Ang Thong.
He made the remarks during a Senate and House of Representatives meeting where the president’s casino plan was discussed.
Because it would n’t guarantee a fair income distribution, Mr. Korrawee claimed that Bhumjaithai does not want to see such a complex constructed in a small city.
He added that, more importantly, the government must cautiously consider the benefits and drawbacks of legalizing casinos before proceeding with this concept.
The most crucial issue is whether it would be good for Thai citizens if the government offered compromises worth an estimated 1 billion baht annually, he said.
” Why does n’t the government invest and operate]these casinos ] on its own to earn the income and use the revenue to help the poor”, he said.
” If the state does that, all Thais may benefit from this policy, not only specific buyers”.
Ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, seen as the de facto Pheu Thai president, has said recently that the sum needed for the government’s entertainment difficult task would be at least 100 billion baht.
He added that the job could still be benefited from the government’s investment without having to spend a single penny.
Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the opposition People’s Party, said the president’s premier programs, including those on legalising games, the online budget handbook and the Land Bridge, would probably benefit private owners.
The game plan has already attracted a lot of attention from potential buyers, according to deputy finance secretary Julapun Amornvivat.
” With clear support from coalition parties, and a]favourable ] study by the Ministry of Finance, the project is ready to be proposed to the cabinet for consideration”.