The country’s government leader, who is also one of the most powerful officials to support the push to legalize casino resort businesses, was removed by a constitutional court on Wednesday.
Sreta Tabithin (file photo) has been told to step down for appointing a prison-sentenced former lawyer to his cabinet, multiple media reports said.
Mr Sretta, a real estate businessman who represents the Feutai party, was reportedly dismissed by a court ruling as Thailand’s fourth prime minister in 16 years. 동행복권파워볼
Daniel Cheng, a casino industry analyst and author who has covered Thailand’s developments, told GGRAsia on Wednesday that in response to our question about whether the resignation of the sitting Thai prime minister could hamper or delay the casino legalization process, “a degree of inertia is inevitable, but in my opinion it’s fine. The gaming bill was going too fast and risked missing the forest for trees.”
There have been media reports that the casino resort business will soon become legal in Thailand, and that the gaming complex could open as early as 2030.
“At least changes in government [leadership] will slow the pace and process,” Brendan Boothman of industrial consultancy B Global Advisors told GGRAsia on liberalisation.
He said, “The next question is… If the new government has the political capacity or desire to go at the same pace so that entertainment centers can be a driving force for tourism and investment,” it added. The latter is a name used by Thai authorities to refer to a casino resort.
Before news of Sretta’s dismissal broke on Wednesday afternoon, Bangkok Post news media reported that a party in Thailand’s current coalition government had added a voice to the opposition Democratic Party, expressing concerns about the social and economic value of legalizing casino resort businesses in the country.
The draft bill, known as the so-called Complex Entertainment Bill, is undergoing a public consultation process until August 18.
According to the draft bill, Thailand’s prime minister, deputy prime minister and five ministers will form a so-called “policy committee” to lead the country’s casino policy efforts.
The scope of the authority of the High Public Service Commission includes setting the number of permits and operating areas for casino entertainment complexes, as well as recommending tax rates for casino operators.