Sin tax would boost state coffers
Twelve National Reform Council members in Thailand have proposed legalizing casino gaming, saying a “sin tax” would boost state coffers and finance development projects, according to the Bangkok Post.
Councilor Anan Vacharothai says there are 22 casinos operating around the country, and more than 80 percent of the gamblers there are Thai. He said Pattaya City would be a viable location for casino resorts.
Councilor Kriengkrai Phumlaojaeng added that income from casinos would benefit programs for the poor and bring more foreigners to the country.
But NRC Chairman Thienchay Kiranandana said the idea does not have broad support among members. “Calls to legalize casinos are not among the reform proposals we have put up,” he told the Post. With less than two months remaining in the current legislative session, he added, the NRC does not have time to add a controversial new item to the agenda.
And former Democrat MP Watchara Phetthong criticized the proposal, saying it goes against the 12 core values promoted by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. Phettong said NRC members should work on solving the country’s economic problems rather than cooking up casino schemes.
According to the Nation, Vatcharatai referred to the 12 proponents as “patriots” in pushing for the idea. He said casinos would stop locals from crossing the border to gamble in casinos in Cambodia and Vietnam. Speculation that a casino resort will be built on the country’s border with Myanmar also has prompted the call.
Among its supporters is national Police Chief Somyot Pumpunmuang , who said illegal gambling “caused a lot of problems for police. Many officers have been transferred because they profit from allowing casinos to operate illegally in their areas of jurisdiction.
“We can’t deny the fact that Thai people hold to a culture of gambling,” the chief continued. “Legalized casinos would help spur the country’s economy. Every year a large number of Thai people travel to casinos in other countries, draining money out of the country.”
Paul Bromberg, CEO of gaming consultant firm Spectrum Asia, told the Straits Times that legal gaming in Thailand “is unlikely to happen in the near term.”
