Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said Tuesday that the government would delay the Cabinet’s final review of an entertainment complex bill until all details are carefully reviewed and stakeholders suitable addressed.
Speaking at a weekly press conference at Government House, Paetongtarn also explained that she was in no rush to push the bill through. Key details, such as a proposal to restrict casino entry for locals to those with at least THB50 million (US$1.5 million) in their bank accounts, were not yet finalized, she added, as per a report by The Nation.
Cabinet had been due to start its final review of the bill on Tuesday.
“I would like all details to be carefully reviewed,” Paetongtarn said. “I don’t want the ministry to rush it to the Cabinet because Thailand has never had casinos before.
“It is crucial for the ministry to gather opinions on the bill and its related regulations. So, I would say there is no need to expedite its return to the Cabinet. Let all issues be thoroughly examined first.”
The Prime Minister also promised to listen to the views of anti-casino campaigners amid reports that protestors were camping outside Government House.
Should the bill be passed, the government would provide a clear explanation to all as to why, she added.
