Mon Apr 07 06:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Widespread Opposition to Thai Casino Bill
**Bangkok, April 6, 2025** – A wave of opposition is sweeping Thailand against the government’s proposed entertainment complex bill, which includes the legalization of casinos. Leading the charge are prominent figures from various sectors, voicing concerns about the bill’s potential to devastate the nation.
Fifty former drafters of the 2007 constitution, led by Professor Jarun Pakdeethanakul, issued an open letter to parliament urging its rejection. They argue the bill contradicts the nation’s sufficiency economy principles and represents the vision of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, not a campaign promise of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. The letter highlights concerns over the privatization of state-owned land for private development and the bill’s potential to exacerbate crime and social issues.
Adding to the growing dissent, twenty-seven doctors from Chiang Mai University’s Class of 15 expressed concerns about the long-term social impacts on future generations. Similarly, a group of economics lecturers from Thammasat University warned of the bill’s short-lived economic benefits, overshadowed by long-term social problems such as increased crime, family breakdown, and money laundering.
The Network of Universities for Reform is organizing a protest at Chulalongkorn University on Tuesday to further demonstrate opposition to the bill. The coalition of critics warns that the government risks losing public support if the bill is passed.
First Piper 