Despite the government's deferment of the first reading of the controversial draft entertainment complex bill, hundreds of anti-casino protesters continue their demonstrations, demanding that the bill be withdrawn.
They marched from near Government House to Parliament today, where MPs and senators are convening to discuss other motions. The draft bill will no longer be tabled today.
The protest was led by the Student and People’s Network for Thailand Reform. Before marching to Parliament, their leaders vowed this morning that they will not call off their protests unless the Paetongtarn administration withdraws the bill.
Their activities were broadcast live on the network’s social media platforms.
Most of the participants wore white shirts, emblazoned with slogans such as “No CasiNo” and “We do not want CasiNo.”
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced yesterday that the draft bill’s first reading today has been postponed, due to more urgent matters needing to be discussed in parliament. She stressed, however, that the bill is only postponed and that it will certainly be considered in the next parliamentary session.
The decision was made amidst growing opposition to the casino project from various civil society networks across the country.
Paetongtarn’s father, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, commonly seen as the de facto leader of the ruling Pheu Thai party, lashed out at opponents of the bill, claiming that they are simply envious of the success it would bring to the country.
Thaksin, seen as a strong advocate for the bill, claimed that most Thais support it, but are reluctant to express their support publicly.
Today, people in several provinces, including Nakhon Ratchasima, Chanthaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Lop Buri, rallied to voice their opposition to what has become known as “the casino project”.
They signed petitions, addressed to the prime minister, demanding that the bill be withdrawn immediately.
