There is an old expression that states, if you can not beat them, join them. This catchphrase well explains policymakers’ efforts to open gambling establishments in Thailand.
The probability has actually come close to truth just recently, after a Home committee released an expediency research study about gambling establishments in Thailand.
While gambling establishments are lawfully allowed in numerous nations– even neighbours such as Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia and Laos– wagering is a criminal offense in Thailand.
The Gaming Act 1935 prohibited any kinds of money wagering, other than for the state lottery game and horse races at state-licensed race courses.
According to the research study, Thailand might accommodate 5 gambling establishments– one in each of its 5 areas. In the North, the area might be Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai. In the Main area, the targeted website is Pattaya.
In the South, Phuket, Phangnga or Krabi have actually been viewed as perfect areas. In the Northeast, the options are Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani or Khon Kaen. The prime area is either Bangkok or among its surrounding provinces.
Gambling establishment fans have actually lobbied policymakers for the previous years without much success, thanks to strong projects by anti-gambling groups. Yet the concept of opening gambling establishments in Thailand is putting on weight in the consequences of the Covid pandemic.
The nation is desperate for money; gambling establishments are pitched as a brand-new golden goose to generate tax earnings to the federal government and entice more travelers to the nation.
Numerous legislators are reported to be motivated by the accomplishment of the Bhumjaithai Celebration in decriminalising marijuana, albeit for medical research study.
While the concept of opening gambling establishments in Thailand deserves checking out, the matter should be managed with severe care. Policymakers should gain from errors which took place throughout the legalisation of marijuana. Under this policy, marijuana abuse by young customers has actually become a significant issue since of an absence of protect steps.
It would be terrible if, in comparable style, regional individuals, specifically low-income earners and the young, were enticed into gaming.
Most importantly, the federal government should be clear that the function of a gambling establishment is to serve tourist and make certain that just travelers, foreign financiers and regional bettors devoid of monetary issues are let into gambling establishments.
The federal government should prepare preventive steps beforehand. Amongst them are gambling establishment zoning and a regional entry charge to guarantee just feasible regional bettors can get in, and non-targeted groups are stayed out.
Second of all, the federal government should understand that legalising wagering will not end underground gaming dens, a minimum of in Thailand. Police should work more difficult to close prohibited gaming dens, specifically online wagering platforms that entice numerous youths.
The federal government should be clear about what the gaming law in Thailand will be. If the gambling establishments are for target groups just, what will be the action if the public requests for equivalent treatment?
Without clear instructions, the outcome will be more bettors, more financial obligations and more social issues.
Editorial
Bangkok Post editorial column
These editorials represent Bangkok Post ideas about existing concerns and circumstances.
Email: anchaleek@bangkokpost.co.th
