The streets of Bangkok hum with talk as Thailand’s government continues their pilot plan of integrating casino gambling into integrated entertainment zones. Business people and religious institutions, a move intended for the development of economy and tourist attraction has caused major controversy among people.
Owners of some cafes in this sukhumvit area such as Somchai Rattanakosin said he agreed the proposal but in a very careful way. “If it is well implemented this increases the number of tourist and benefits firms such as mine,” he said. But there is a serious caution that should be taken with respect to social consequences of globalization. Point to bring – ‘We don’t want to see our culture change for the worse.’ His sentiments therefore reflect many of the Bangkok residents although they see some economic gains in the project, they are concerned with the impact that the gambling{ing} will have on their society.
The government scheme, advocated by the ruling Pheu Thai Party, succeeded by proposing huge entertainment city with casino as well as assorted accommodation, eating place, convention hall, and recreational facilities. Finance Ministry’s deputy Julapun Amornvivat has also been actively endorsing this matter in a public hearing whereby 80% of the participants were said to support the matter.
But not all people that live in Bangkok are inclined to believe so. The state of Mind/Phra Maha Pranom Dhammalangkaro expresses anxiety about the possible moral effects of adopting gambling laws. “That is why our teachings forbid people from engaging in gambling as it leads to addiction,” he said. That is where we utter words like ‘spiritual development of our people is of paramount importance, not just the dollars in our pockets.’
The proposal has also receive criticisms from several anti-corruption activist. Activist in the legal aspect Chulalongkorn Siriwan said, “There is truth in the statement that while legalization will eventually withdraw some concealed operations, there would be brand-new gateways to various mischievous issues such as corruption and money laundry.”
Nevertheless, it is worthy of note, that the government seems to be very persistent in going ahead with the process. Finance Ministry officials have laid down specific conditions to firms interested in running such complexes; a registered capital of no less than 10 billion baht and expensive license charges inclusive. It is for such reasons they maintain that such activities will help filter the market to allow only qualified operators.
The citizen of Bangkok who are working-class people would be interested in the new opportunities at the workplace. Tuk-tuk driver Prakit Charoensuk added, “If such complexes generate more employment may help someone like me.” Perhaps I could get a job as a driver for the casino or the hotel,” then the realization that one is nothing hits hard.
A major sector of Thailand’s economy the tourism, industry is also following these developments. Currently the hotel manager Apinya Suksawat said that the casinos could contribute to make Thailand comparable to other tourism destinations in the region. ”The company has been able to explain how places such as Singapore have been benefited by integrated resorts,” she added. “This could be what we need to entice the high spending tourists.”
But some of the local business people are concerned with possible new competition that could be brought about by new legislation. Street food vendor Nattapong Wongsuwan expressed concern: Others fear, for instance, that: ‘if tourists have to spend all their money in these large compounds, what became of my shop?’
While the government is in the process of establishing the final details of the legislation there are concerns as to the places to be earmarked for these impending complexes. Despite some information reveal that two may be located in Bangkok, officials have not provided certain addresses for the clinics. This uncertainty has caused speculation and some concern by residents in or of potential ‘host’ neighborhoods.
It is not just the citizen of Bangkok that make their opinions known about the buildings site, people in other cities such as Phuket and Chiang Mai also give their opinion. Some people believe that such reforms open up the regions but at the same time people are afraid of changes.
With Thailand getting nearer to the possibility of legalising casino gambling or not the eyes of the region are on Bangkok. Our competitors from Cambodia and Singapore are also observing the likely consequences for their market segment that might occur due to this.
This year will be interesting mainly given the typically complicated procedure of the government’s action of creating the required legislation and its adoption. The main debate thus persists, while detractors name social impacts, enthusiasts point to economic returns. In any case, what can be stated with certainty is the fact that decision of legalizing operation of gambling casino could become a starting point in changing economic and social conditions of Thailand.
Every day as the sun goes down over the city skyline Bangkokians are still discussing the possibility of this incredible idea as well as the dangers involving it. Whether Thailand will join the ranks of Asian nations with legal casino gambling remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: This decision will affect Bangkok and all the whole country for many years to come in one way or the other.