The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand (CBCT) remains steadfast in its opposition to a controversial bill that would legalize casinos within large-scale entertainment complexes, warning of grave moral and social consequences.
This comes despite the Thai Cabinet’s decision to delay final deliberation on the proposed legislation.
This morning, April 9, Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana, CBCT President, and Bishop Joseph Chusak Sirisut, CBCT Secretary, formally delivered the bishops’ statement to the House of Parliament, urging lawmakers to reject the draft Thailand Entertainment Complex Act.
Initially scheduled for parliamentary debate today, the bill was put on hold following Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s announcement that more time was needed for a comprehensive review and public consultation.
“We will not withdraw the bill, but we will continue to listen to all opinions,” Prime Minister Paetongtarn said after meeting with coalition party leaders yesterday, adding that the legislation could be reintroduced in the next parliamentary session.
Archbishop Arpondratana, in an interview with LiCAS News, explained, “One of the main reasons for continuing our advocacy is because the government still intends to push the bill forward. We must remain vigilant.”
The proposed legislation, which seeks to establish legal casinos as part of entertainment complexes, has ignited widespread concern across Thai society.
Religious leaders, civic groups, educators, and political factions have voiced strong opposition, warning of the long-term societal costs.
Alongside the CBCT and the Catholic Education Council of Thailand (CECT), key opponents include the Buddhist Dharma Force, the Network of Students and People for Thailand’s Reform, and the Center of People for Monarchy Protection.
Hundreds of protesters from these groups have staged demonstrations near the Government House, demanding the bill be permanently shelved.
“The government’s decision to pause shows it is listening to public sentiment and acknowledges the serious implications this bill holds,” said Fr. Paul Ekarat Homprathum, Secretary-General of the CECT, to LiCAS News. “Legalizing casinos will only increase crime and immoral behavior, particularly among youth and students.”
The CECT released a formal statement last Friday calling on the government to cancel plans not only for physical casinos but also for the expansion of online gambling platforms, citing the need to safeguard young people from moral decay.
At the same time, CBCT echoed these concerns in a public statement issued on April 3. Archbishop Arpondratana emphasized that legalized gambling could exacerbate a range of social problems, including addiction, household debt, organized crime, money laundering, and human trafficking.
“Economic progress must align with moral values if we are to achieve true human development,” the archbishop stressed. “We cannot build a prosperous society on foundations that harm the most vulnerable—especially our children and youth.”
Bishop Chusak Sirisut, representing the CBCT, shared the full statement with the media during today’s visit to Parliament.
With the bill temporarily stalled, observers expect advocacy efforts to intensify in the coming weeks. Public hearings, expert panels, and broader civic dialogue are anticipated as the debate over the Thailand Entertainment Complex Act continues to unfold.
