THREE activist groups today (March 2) performed a ceremony for good luck at Chamai Maruchet Bridge in front of the Government House to start their protest against permitting casinos and online gambling in Thailand, Amarin TV and Naewna newspaper said.
Mr. Phichit Chaiyamongkol, leader of the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand, which is launching the protest together with People’s Centre for the Protection of Monarchy and Dhamma Army, said the three groups had already clearly stated that they disagree with opening casinos and allowing online gambling in the country.
As the Council of State has completed reviewing the draft Entertainment Complex Act which will allow casinos to be opened within these venues with the legislation to be submitted to the Cabinet within this month the three groups now have to go all out to oppose it, he said.
Moreover as ad hoc subcommittee under the Medical Council Thailand which is looking into allegations of a fake-out staged by de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra as a former, highly-privileged convict who had stayed at a hospital in lieu of a prison for a six-month period will reach its conclusion this month, the three groups will continue to press the government to take responsibility for this.
The demonstrators intend to stay overnight at this spot starting tonight with there to be a large-scale movement with well-known people joining in on March 11 when it is expected that the draft bill will be submitted to the Cabinet with there being no date set for ending it.
They have got permission from Nang Loeng police station to rally here which is the spot where they had previously gathered to demonstrate.
Phichit added that once the bill reaches the House of Representatives their demonstration may change with various political parties being urged to oppose it.
CAPTION:
Mr. Phichit Chaiyamongkol at Chamai Maruchet Bridge today, March 2, 2025. Top photo: Amarin TV, Front Page photo:Naewna
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