Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Fights Back Against Casino Critics, Emphasizing Economic Opportunities and Responsible Gambling
Prime Minister fiercely criticizes casino opponents
In a fiery defense of the proposed casino entertainment complex, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra took aim at critics, accusing political opponents of dishonest tactics aimed at sowing confusion and whipping up public opposition.
On the popular NBT's Empowering Thais with PM Paetongtarn program, the prime minister stood her ground, insisting that the controversial project would bring in foreign investment, generating revenue and economic opportunities without burdening taxpayers.
"It's not about gamblin' and pokin' holes in people's pockets," Ms Paetongtarn said emphatically. "We're talkin' 'bout private and foreign capital here, and with it comes more taxes!"
She further explained that the development would follow the "Singapore model," encompassing hotels, concert venues, convention halls, and a world-class, tightly regulated casino. The focus, she claimed, was on "responsible gambling."
"Ain't no one's walkin' in, dreamin' of Winfield Jackpot and walkin' out with a fortune — that's just silly talk!" she said, emphasizing strict rules, background checks, and security standards to ensure the complex doesn't provide a hotbed for greedy gamblers.
Addressing concerns about the project fueling vice, Ms Paetongtarn was quick to point out that other nations such as Singapore, the UAE, Japan, and the US had successfully embraced man-made attractions to drive economic growth without succumbing to a vice-ridden society.
"We don't need to be losers in this game," she said, highlighting Japan's plan to transform the Osaka World Expo site into an entertainment complex by 2030 as an example of forward-thinking progress. "We ain't aimin' to become a criminal haven — we're aimin' to catch up with the world!"
However, opposition remains staunch. The same day as the broadcast, Thanakorn Komkrit, secretary-general of the Stop Gambling Foundation, took to Facebook to issue a warning about the potential for casinos to become money laundering hubs.
Citing a 2024 UNODC report detailing casinos, transnational crime, and illicit finance in Southeast Asia, Mr Thanakorn painted a grim picture of the risks associated with casino legalization, particularly the ease with which illicit funds could enter legitimate financial systems via money laundering.
He warned of multiple methods used by organized crime groups to launder funds through casinos, including converting illicit cash into gambling chips and back again, collusion between players, and junket tours that facilitate VIP gambling across borders.
"Are we ready to turn a blind eye to non-stop money laundering?" Mr Thanakorn questioned, emphasizing the need for airtight regulation to prevent Thailand's casino legalization from becoming an open door for criminal infiltration.
In light of this, he urged policymakers to strengthen regulation, increase public awareness, and collaborate internationally to combat money laundering and transnational crime.
As the debate heats up, it remains to be seen whether the economic potential of the proposed entertainment complex will outweigh the concerns about crime and vice. Whether you're a fan of fl ashin' chips or fearin' the mafia, it's crystal clear that this issue ain't a game — it's a fight for Thailand's future.
- Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has emphasized that the casino-and-gambling politics is not about gambling and disrupting citizens' finances, but about attracting private and foreign capital for economic opportunities.
- In her defense, Ms. Paetongtarn highlighted that the development would follow the Singapore model, featuring regulated casinos, hotels, concert venues, convention halls, and other attractions.
- However, the Stop Gambling Foundation's secretary-general, Thanakorn Komkrit, issued a warning about potential casino legalization leading to money laundering hubs, citing methods such as converting illicit funds into gambling chips and back again, collusion between players, and junket tours.
- In response to these concerns, Thanakorn urged policymakers to strengthen regulation, increase public awareness, and collaborate internationally to combat money laundering and transnational crime.
