The House of Representatives has set up a 60-member committee to study the potential opening of entertainment complexes, including casinos, to address the problem of illegal casinos and boost the country's economy, as proposed in a motion submitted by MPs from various parties.
Supporters of the motion included Thoedchart Chaipong, a Pheu Thai MP for Chiang Rai; Non Paisanlimcharoenkij, a Move Forward Party MP for Nonthaburi; and Chatchawal Kong-udom, a United Thai Nation Party list-MP.
The motion calling for forming a committee to examine the matter underwent deliberation in a House meeting chaired by House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha on Thursday.
Rangsiman Rome, a Move Forward Party list-MP, expressed his support but warned that a similar working body was also established by the previous House of Representatives to study this matter.
The opposition MP said he was informed that a company based in Tak province, accused of engaging in human trafficking and the illicit trade of human organs, succeeded in sending a representative to express its views before the committee, seemingly with malicious intent.
Mr Rangsiman emphasised the need for preventive measures against ill-intentioned influence.
The Move Forward MP said he believed legalising casinos in Thailand could lead to the collapse of border-operating casinos, redirecting Thai gamblers' money towards government revenue for national development.
United Thai Nation Party list-MP Chatchawal highlighted the loss of income due to Thai people travelling to neighbouring countries for casino gambling. Mr Chatchawal said he first proposed the legalisation of casinos 30 years ago, but many disagreed.
At least five entertainment complexes with casinos should be strategically located across the country -- one each in the North, the South, the East, the West and the Central Plains, he said. These would provide local jobs, ending the need for some Thais to work abroad, he said.