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The
bill, also known as the “entertainment complexes bill,” was
first approved by the Cabinet in January and was awaiting review
by lawmakers. If passed, it would allow casinos to operate
within complexes that also house other businesses such as
hotels, convention halls, malls or theme parks.
The bill's withdrawal came after Prime Minister Paetongtarn
Shinawatra was suspended by the Constitutional Court last week
after a phone call between her and a senior Cambodian leader was
leaked, sparking fresh political turmoil.
Paetongtarn is under an ethics investigation over accusations
that she made comments that damaged Thailand’s national
interests to Cambodia's Senate President Hun Sen when the two
discussed a recent border dispute last month.
The ruling Pheu Thai Party has said the bill would help attract
more investments, boost tourism and solve issues of illegal
gambling. But it has faced strong opposition from the public and
Pheu Thai’s former coalition partner, Bhumjaithai Party, which
quit the government last month over the leaked call.
Julapun said the government needed more time to explain the
benefits of the bill to the public, adding that the delay was
regrettable.
The Pheu Thai Party, which pledged to make the country’s
economic woes top of its agenda, stressed that casinos would be
only a small part of a larger plan to boost tourism.
Tourism is the main drive of the Thai economy and has always
been the focus of the different administrations to improve the
economy.
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