Thailand’s national government announced on Wednesday that it will postpone the first reading of a bill to legalise entertainment complexes with casinos in the country, according to a media report. The first reading by the lower house of Thailand’s National Assembly was originally scheduled for July 9.
The information was disclosed by the nation’s deputy transport minister, Manaporn Charoensri, according to local media outlet The Nation Thailand. The report did not mention a potential new date for the first reading of the bill.
“There is still a lack of public understanding about the purpose of this bill,” Ms Charoensri was quoted as saying. “The government needs more time to thoroughly explain its intent to the public before it proceeds to parliament.”
The plan to allow casinos in Thailand is facing growing opposition: a recent survey conducted by Thailand’s National Institute of Development Administration shows that the majority of respondents oppose the legalisation of casino gambling in the country.
Last week, a petition with 53,900 signatures was submitted to Thailand’s Election Commission, calling on the government to hold a national referendum on casino legalisation.
Thailand’s government has defended its plan to host a number of entertainment complexes with casinos, pledging strict regulations and transparency.
The government is currently grappling with a major internal crisis, as the second-largest party in the ruling coalition, the Bhumjaithai Party, withdrew from government last week.
The withdrawal has added to the uncertainty surrounding several government policies, including the bill to legalise casinos.
