Bhumjaithai spokeswoman Boonthida Somchai called the move to withdraw the bill a political tactic to avoid a defeat in the House of Representatives, which would force the government to dissolve parliament or resign, reports the Bangkok Post.
“We disagreed with the withdrawal,” she said yesterday (July 8).
The Ubon Ratchathani MP made the statement after the end of a party meeting an which members reaffirmed their intention to kill the bill.
The 69-MP Bhumjaithai Party is now part of the opposition after a falling-out over Cabinet positions led it to exit the coalition.
Pheu Thai on Monday confirmed on the withdrawal of the Entertainment Complex Bill, which was scheduled to be introduced today. It claimed more understanding was needed for public support of the highly contentious draft.
The withdrawal had been anticipated after Bhumjaithai moved to the opposition benches, leaving the coalition government with a slim majority in the House of Representatives.
The administration now controls 261 seats against 234 by the opposition, making passage of the bill risky. The Cabinet approved the withdrawal yesterday.
“The draft bill in question involves issues that require time for public understanding,” government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said after the Cabinet meeting.
“It is therefore appropriate to withdraw this draft bill from parliament’s deliberation,” he said without indicating when it might be reconsidered.
The crux of the bill is the establishment of casino venues inside integrated entertainment complexes to promote tourism and woo gamblers to the country.
Ms Boonthida said Bhumjaithai was confident some government MPs would vote against the bill had it been put for vote in parliament.
Pheu Thai initially hoped to attract at least B100 billion in new investment in casinos and entertainment complexes, and expected foreign tourist arrivals to rise by up to 10%.
However, the plan has faced more opposition than its promoters anticipated, with a January opinion poll showing a majority of the public disapproving of the idea.
Some political parties and other prominent figures have also argued that building a gambling industry would worsen social problems.