Blaming political elements for distorting their controversial entertainment complex project, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said today that her government hopes to be able to convince all parties concerned of the real objective of the project during the upcoming eight-week parliamentary recess.
She admitted that the government has not adequately communicated with people regarding the project. This has led to an intensification in opposition to it. She reiterated the claim that the casino would represent just about 10% of the “activity” within the complex project.
The prime minister complained that it would be a loss of opportunity for Thailand if the project were to be scrapped. She maintains that it would be a man-made tourist attraction, of a kind which several other countries have been developing to attract tourists and boost their economies.
“But we are stuck on the single word, ‘casino’,” said the prime minister.
Asked about the suggestion by senators that a referendum be held to gauge the public’s opinion about the casino issue, she said that the government has not thought about it, adding that it has to be discussed among the coalition parties.
The prime minister also complained that Thailand has missed out several opportunities to host international events, because it lacks the venues suitable to host such events.
She said she hopes all parties concerned, especially opponents of the casino, will become more concerned about the national interest, rather than with playing politics.
Commenting on the Prachachart party’s declared disapproval of the project, on the grounds that it contravenes Islamic precepts, she said that the government needs to talk with the party to reach an understanding.
At a meeting with the permanent secretaries of all ministries, held at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the prime minister urged better communication with members of the public, to convince them that the government is not promoting legal gambling, but is trying to generate more revenue for national development.
