The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand (CBCT) filed a petition today, with Deputy House Speaker Pichet Chuamuangphan and People’s party MP Teerajchai Phunthumas, representing the leader of the Opposition, calling for the withdrawal of the controversial casino bill, arguing that casinos would lead to numerous social problems.
“We urge the government to halt the bill, as legalising gambling and casinos will inevitably cause social issues, such as gambling addiction, financial and debt problems, money laundering and human trafficking,” claimed CBCT Secretary-General Bishop Joseph Chusak Sirisut.
Economic development must be undertaken in accordance with moral principles, aiming towards the overall development of humanity, he added.
Chusak said that the CBCT does not oppose entertainment businesses that provide enjoyment without involving sin, but people may mistakenly believe that, in order to experience happiness and fun, they must engage in sinful activities.
The government should conduct public hearings nationwide, involving all religions and stakeholders, he opined.
