A push to legalise casinos has drawn a cool response on Tuesday from National Reform Council chairman (NRC) Thienchay Kiranandana and Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said he had no comments on the matter but Gen Anupong said it was a sensitive issue with a big question — will Buddhists accept it?
The NRC chairman was not keen on the attempt to make casino legal to boost state revenue either, saying it was not on the council's reform agenda.
"The casino issue is not on our plan. We have only 37 areas of reforms and six development issues to be forwarded to the government,'' said Mr Thienchay. "We won't have enough time to consider a new issue so it will be left to the next reform panel,'' he added.
Opening casinos in the country is an on-and-off issue for years. Supporters claim that legalising casinos will keep billions circulating in the country instead of being spent in gambling dens in neighbouring countries, as well as Macao or Singapore. A tax on them will also add to state coffers and help finance development projects.
Opponents warn gambling can lead to more crime. Many Buddhists also considered gambling a sin.
The issue came to light on Monday when a group of national reform councillors led by Maj Gen Anan Watcharothai, a former Pheu Thai Party member, planned to propose the plan to the NRC and cabinet.
The Rak Chat group claimed it had 12 members on Monday but Kriengkrai Phumlaojaeng said on Tuesday that the faction comprised 23 councillors.
Despite opposition from the NRC chairman, Mr Kriengkrai said his group would continue its study, which is expected to be completed this month. A report each will then be forwarded to Mr Thienchay and the cabinet.
The proposal includes the age limit of 30 or more for gamblers. The group chose Pattaya as the location for the casinos.
"We will lobby for support from as many NRC members as possible," he said. ''The group is of the view that it will benefit the country because revenue will go to the state.''
Wachara Peththong, a former Democrat member, slammed the move, saying it was a shame that taxpayers had to pay salaries for this group of reform councillors when they should have concentrated on solving economic hardships.