Bangkok: The Roman Catholic Bishops’ Council has formally expressed its opposition to the Entertainment Complex Bill, advocating for the elimination of casinos and emphasizing that entertainment should not be associated with sinfulness. The council has submitted a letter to the Speaker of the House and the Leader of the Opposition, voicing concerns about the potential impact of gambling on moral principles.

According to Thai News Agency, the Roman Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand, under the leadership of Archbishop Vira Arpornrat, submitted a letter to Mr. Pichet Chueamuangphan, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, to oppose the draft of the Entertainment Complex Business Act. Father Suwat Leungsard, Deputy Secretary-General of the Bishops’ Conference, highlighted the Catholic Church’s role as a moral guide, urging the government to enact laws that uphold human dignity and reason.

Father Suwat further reiterated the Church’s opposition to the draft bill, emphasizing that gambling and casinos could lead to significant social issues, especially among the youth. He called on the government to recognize the interconnectedness of economic activities and moral behavior, advocating for economic development that aligns with ethical standards. The Church supports creating family-friendly entertainment options but stands firmly against the establishment of casinos in Thailand.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference also reached out to the opposition leader through Mr. Thirachai Phanthumas, an MP from the Prachachon Party. Mr. Thirachai acknowledged the receipt of the letter and noted that the consideration of the Entertainment Complex Act has been postponed. He stressed the importance of listening to all stakeholders, including religious groups and civil society, before moving forward with the legislation. The meeting with the opposition whip indicated concerns about the need to review the law, highlighting that the submission of the letter represents a significant public perspective.