The Thai government has been toying with the idea of making gambling legal in the country for the past two decades. The plan, however, has been thwarted time and time again by the arguments that gambling isn't aligned with the principles of Buddhism, and doing so will bring about more vice.
While Thailand's neighbours -- Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia and Singapore -- have legalised gambling and developed casino complexes to accommodate tourists and boost their economies, Thailand is sticking with its Gambling Act (1935), which bans any forms of cash betting, with the exception of the state lottery and horse races at state-licensed racecourses.
Despite the strict ban and moral arguments, gambling has always been a part of Thai society. According to a 2019 study by the Centre for Gambling Studies, a research institute under Chulalongkorn University, more than 30.4 million Thais engaged in some sort of betting. The study indicated the number of gamblers increased by 1.4 million since 2017, when the centre first launched its survey.
It is believed over 300 billion baht is spent on underground betting each year, part of which ends up in the pockets of local officials and mafia in exchange for protection.
The idea to legalise casinos in Thailand resurfaced this month, when MPs voted 310-9 on Thursday to set up a 60-member committee to look into the possibility of opening a casino and entertainment complex. The committee is expected to conclude the study in about 90 days.
The rekindled interest is driven by two unrelated reasons.
The first is economic. Proponents of casinos say the government has wasted the opportunity to profit from gambling by letting casinos in neighbouring countries take away tourist traffic from Thailand. They argue that if well-managed, the plan will bring in huge income, create jobs and boost Thailand's tourism appeal.
The second is corruption. Those in support of the idea believe operators of gambling networks will stop paying bribes to the police and local mafia if betting is no longer illegal.
The House committee must carefully consider the issue, as the matter is more complex than simply choosing between economic gain and morality. Thailand needs to better prepare in order to ensure legalising gambling won't bring about more social problems.
The committee must listen to differing opinions from all sides.
Some ideas, such as the idea proposed by Bhumjaithai MP Chada Thaisej about allowing slot machines at airports and some entertainment complexes, should be examined to test the country's readiness.
The House must also listen to those opposed to the idea, because they can provide suggestions to boost controls and oversight.
One idea proposed by an anti-gambling group, is the establishment of a Gambling Problem Management Centre, through which various law enforcement agencies and ministries can work together and regulate the gambling industry better once it is legalised.
That said, it would be hopelessly naive to hope that legalising gambling would automatically make corruption vanish and gambling dens go away. In order to achieve this, the government must ensure the integrity of its officials.
Without good law enforcement, gambling -- whether in underground betting houses or upscale casino complexes -- will always be harmful.
