National Reform Council (NRC) chairman Thienchay Kiranandana has brushed aside a proposal by some NRC members to legalise casinos, saying the call hasn't come from the agency, and it is not part of the reforms.
Mr Thienchay said Tuesday the proposal is only a personal idea and it has not been submitted to the council.
"Calls to legalise casinos are not among the reform proposals we have put up," he said.
His comment came after a group of 12 NRC members dusted off the controversial idea to legalise casinos, saying income from legalising casinos would boost state coffers, be good for the poor, and help pay for development projects.
Representing the group, Maj Anan Vacharothai on Monday suggested changing the law to legalise casinos, and opening the first casino in Pattaya.
He told reporters at parliament that legalising domestic casinos will help stop money flowing out of the country and into neighbouring countries where up to 22 casinos have been established.
Kriengkrai Phumlaojaeng, another NRC member, said the group is gathering information on casinos from previous studies on the matter, and will invite academics to provide input.
Former Democrat MP Watchara Phetthong slammed the proposal, saying NRC members should come up with ideas to solve the country's economic problems rather than support nefarious activities.
Legalising gambling also runs counter to the 12 core Thai values promoted by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Mr Watchara said.
He also accused Maj Anan, who is a former Pheu Thai MP, of seeking to bring about ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra's dream of opening a legal casino in the country.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said he has no standpoint on the casino matter, adding the pro and cons should be discussed by people around the country.