However, as the draft law is already on the parliamentary legislative agenda, its removal must be decided through a formal resolution, said Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri yesterday (June 25).
The Pheu Thai Party has informed Wisut Chainarun, a party-list MP and government chief whip, of its decision to defer debate on the casino-entertainment complex bill, Ms Manaporn said. Other draft laws, including bills on fostering a peaceful society and political amnesty, which are currently lower on the agenda, will be moved up. The casino bill, by contrast, will be placed at the bottom of the list, reports the Bangkok Post.
Originally, the casino-entertainment complex bill was scheduled to be the first bill deliberated on July 9, followed by four versions of the peaceful society and political amnesty bills.
In its pitch to the public, Pheu Thai said a legalised casino would occupy only about 10% of the total area within each complex, which is primarily intended to stimulate the economy.
The new decision reflects the party’s commitment to listening to public opinion, she said.
However, she dismissed suggestions that the move was in direct response to People’s Party (PP) leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut’s call for Pheu Thai to withdraw the bill.
“We don’t need the opposition to tell us what to do. The government always listens to the people and takes their voices into account,” she said.