The entertainment complex bill is not yet ready for discussion by the Cabinet, because the government must listen to the opinions of all stakeholders first, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra told the media today.
She said that the entertainment complex project is an important matter, because it is new in Thailand and, therefore, the government wants to hear all opinions and does not want to be seen as acting in haste.
Commenting on the protests near Government House, by anti-casino groups who have threatened to escalate their protests if the Cabinet approves the bill today, the prime minister said that the government will listen to their views as well.
Meanwhile, Deputy Agriculture Minister Dech-it Khaothong dismissed speculation that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is currently in Hat Yai to discuss the casino issue.
He said that Thaksin told him that he wanted to visit Hat Yai because he has not been there for a long time and would like to meet with local people, as well as Malaysian tourists.
Thaksin, he said, wants to discuss flood prevention in Songkhla, Phatthalung and Nakhon Si Thammarat provinces and the development of Songkhla Lake.
On the issue of a casino in Hat Yai, Dech-it said the matter should be decided by the people of Songkhla province.
