Thailand’s cabinet approved on Tuesday the withdrawal of a measure referred to as the “Entertainment Complex Bill” that would have sought to legalise casino resort business in that country.
As a result of the move, the bill will now not need to be withdrawn from the business of the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of the country’s parliament, a step that had been reported would formally have taken place today (Wednesday, July 9).
The Nation news outlet reported on Tuesday, Jirayu Huangsap, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, saying the cabinet had approved a Ministry of Finance request for the withdrawal.
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat was additionally cited as saying that the decision was influenced by various factors, including changes in several ministerial positions.
Mr Julapun was directly quoted stating: “While I personally feel regretful, as the delay could result in Thailand losing opportunities to restructure tourism, I believe that when the bill is reconsidered, it will be approved.”
He added, referring to the current coalition administration, which features the Shinawatra-family influenced Pheu Thai Party as a key element: “The government already holds a majority in parliament, and I have not heard of any coalition party opposing or planning to vote against” the measure.
The suspension, announced on July 1, of Paetongtarn Shinawatra as prime minister of Thailand’s coalition government, had been a factor in the bill’s troubles, according to a number of commentators spoken to by GGRAsia.
Ms Shinawatra’s suspension followed controversy over a June phone call with Hun Sen, a former prime minister of Cambodia, that was subsequently leaked.
Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai assumed the role of caretaker prime minister on July 3.
The Thai government had also been buffeted by a mid-June decision of the Bhumjaithai Party – which had been the second-largest grouping in the coalition after Pheu Thai – to withdraw from the administration, citing the leaked phone call as a factor. Bhumjaithai’s exit reduced the coalition’s majority in parliament.
