News Forum - Bets off: Phuket residents roll the dice against casino plan

[Thaiger]

A group of Phuket locals has rallied against the controversial casino bill, urging the government to halt its progress. Dressed in white shirts, they gathered at Phuket Provincial Hall to submit a petition that firmly rejects the push for casinos in the popular tourist destination. A group of concerned residents, entrepreneurs, and members of the Phuket … …

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[ChrisS]

"The group argued that Phuket, as a world-class tourist destination, is renowned for its natural beauty, rich culture, and friendly atmosphere"

Ahh yes Bangla Road embodies all of the above

"Increased crime and social problems: The statement highlighted concerns about the impact of casinos on local crime rates. With casinos often associated with money laundering, human trafficking, and illegal labour, the group fears that this would place an additional strain on local law enforcement and public services."

And of course all the 'hostess' bars and go go's are NEVER associated with money laundering human trafficking and illegal labour are they.

"Negative impact on residents’ quality of life: The group warned that the presence of casinos would encourage gambling addiction"

My understanding of the rules for Thais entering a casino is that it will preclude 90% of the Thai population anyway.

" The petitioners argued that casino profits would largely benefit large capital groups, rather than the local community"

Good Point maybe all the international chain hotels should be shut down for the same reason?

"Conflict with sustainable development goals: Phuket has positioned itself as a “sustainable health and tourism city,” with a focus on wellness and environmental preservation"

Once again where do the huge 'entertainment' areas like Bangla Road fit into this vision for Phuket?

"Lack of public consultation: The group stressed that there has been no genuine forum for Phuket’s residents to voice their opinions on the bill, accusing the government of disregarding local voices in decisions that will directly impact the province’s future"

That is quite normal in Thailand.

Methinks what they all actually mean is a casino would be stepping on their toes!

[ParaMagic]

I've always been repulsed by gambling... not out some moral virtue or altruism, rather an intuitive understanding that someone is out to rip me off for a cheap thrill. I understand many are entranced by it... maybe, a deep seeded need to beat the odds? A challenge they are willing to take on? I suppose it's much like drugs and alcohol, you enjoy that dopamine hit? The satisfaction of beating the odds... the financial reward? It is fun to watch the moral juggling act in all of the discussions for or against... I'm an anarchist at heart, I say legalize it all... nature will eventually sort it all out. Maybe the Chinese approach is best... locate them as Floating Casino vessels out off shore... or small islands maybe... sure would add to the exclusivity and mystic of it all?... containing any resulting madness off shore... Lol. 

Edited April 13 by ParaMagic
Spelling errors

[AussieBob]

  On 4/9/2025 at 2:41 PM, ChrisS said:

Methinks what they all actually mean is a casino would be stepping on their toes!

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Exactly - some are well meaning ignorants, but most are being 'encouraged' by those with vested interests to protest. We can expect more of this all over Thailand. Look for people with Chinese backgrounds in their appearance - it is the Chinese syndicates/families that largely control the illegal gambling in Thailand. 

They way I see such protests is this. Multiply the number protesting by 10 - and then compare that to the number of total people - clearly the majority support the casino.  That is the thing - people dont protest and march in public for what they support (very often).  

[Ramanathan.P]

" No Casino On Our Sacred Land"....wow what a wonderful placard. Just wondering how it is going to tarnish the image of the Sacred land when Some cities in Thailand are promoted as entertainment heavens of the world. All they scared is that those tourists will spend Thousands in the Casino.