Catholic bishops are opposing Thailand’s proposed gambling law

Catholic bishops in Thailand are opposing the bill that could legalize gambling, with a vote having now been delayed.

It’s the ‘Integrated Entertainment Business Act’ which could change the future of gambling within the country if it were to be officially passed. A debate and vote was scheduled to take place today (April 9) but this has since been delayed as opposition has grown.

The topic has been a controversial one, with most cases of gambling currently outlawed within Thailand.

According to the Union of Catholic Asian News (UCA News), bishops are opposing the bill as they state that legalizing gambling could lead society to severe moral degradation.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand (CBCT), is reported to have said in a statement on April 3, that opposition is because the Church has a mission “to be a moral teacher for humanity.”

The conference president, Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana of Bangkok, is reported by UCA News to have said in the statement that the Catholic Church is responsible for “proclaiming moral principles and social order at all times and places.”

The future of gambling in Thailand has become a huge topic within the country over the last several months, with talks of five casinos opening up.

If the bill goes ahead, this will allow the casinos to operate within large-scale entertainment complexes.

A public hearing took place between February 28 and March 14, with over 70,000 taking part in the consultation. It showed that almost 80% of participants are in favor of their introduction which would have been a boost for those looking to implement and gauge support around the bill.

Despite this, a number of protests have taken place and opposition groups are mounting. This includes anti-gambling organizations and academics who have raised red flags.

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