Govt accused of insincerity for failing to formally kill casino bill

Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut has accused the government of lacking sincerity, because it refuses to promise that it will not resubmit the controversial draft Entertainment Complex, or casino bill, to parliament during its next session.

Speaking to the media, after the House decided today by 253:65 to allow the Finance Ministry to withdraw the draft bill, Natthaphong claimed that it was just a tactic to prevent the draft from being voted down, as he pointed out that the government commands only a slim majority in the House.

He said that the People’s party agreed with the withdrawal of the draft adding, however, that the government failed to give a good reason as to why it wanted to withdraw it.

During the debate in the House today, Natthaphong said he would like to hear from a Cabinet minister about the real reason for its withdrawal.

Bhumjaithai MP Paradon Prissananthakul said he disagrees with the withdrawal.

Responding to Natthaphong’s question, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat explained that there are 14 new ministers in the Cabinet and it is appropriate that they have a say about the bill. Hence its withdrawal.

He noted as well that there are still widespread misunderstandings and divergent views about the project, compounded by the border tensions with Cambodia and global economic problems, all of which justified the withdrawal of the draft bill.

He confirmed that the bill cannot be resubmitted during this parliamentary session, but refused to be drawn on any future plans regarding resubmission.