Former Thai PM cautions against casino excitement

The legalization of land-based casinos in Thailand is a hot topic these days, with the arrival of physical casinos all but guaranteed under the new government’s regime. However, seasoned politicians have expressed concerns arguing against the social ills such projects may beget.

Thai career politicians sounds alarm over casino proposal

One of the detractors of the new and yet-to-pass legalization is Abhisit Vejjajiva, an ex-Thai Prime Minister, who has been a vociferous critic of the proposal, citing social problems as the main reason why Thailand should avoid legalizing casinos.

He spoke to the Bangkok Post, a respected local media outlet which has been following the topic from day one. Abhisit argued that the legalization of land-based casinos was, as he put it, dangerous, and that it would bring no serious economic benefits.

At the same time, it would have a more pronounced impact on society, begetting petty crime and increasing household debts. The former Prime Minister’s remarks are not wide of the mark, as in places such as the United States, there has indeed been an increase in debt correlating to sports gambling, for example.

However, the level of crime has not been something that researchers have been able to prove, although fears of more crime emanating from casino hubs has persisted to this very day. Abhisithas criticized the government’s claim that ushering in physical casinos would bring in extra tax and help boost the tourism industry as well as create new jobs.

The potential gains, though, are not a given, and they need to be weighed against the adverse impacts that expanded gambling could bring to the country.

Actual impact of casino legalization remains to be seen

"The government said that allowing casinos to open will allow it to collect revenue from operating licences and taxes, boost employment and attract tourists. But we have to weigh the benefits and risks carefully," he argued.

Abhisit’s remarks are unlikely to change anything as of right now, as the country is almost certainly going to legalize casinos and try to compete against other regional hubs, including Macau, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam.

At the same time, Thailand has been pushing for an end to illegal gambling, and not least, pressured by China which raised objections to recent cases involving Chinese nationals becoming victims of illegal gambling in the country.

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