Thai citizens submit 54k-signature petition demanding referendum against casino legalization
The Stop Gambling Foundation along with its network of partners and supporters, have handed in a petition to the Office of the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT), calling for a referendum to stop the legalization of casino resorts in the country. The foundation, led by Secretary-General Thanakorn Khomkrit, arrived with a convoy of riders on Thursday (June 12) to deliver 53,900 signatures collected from concerned citizens.
Cited by Daily News, Thanakorn stated: “It takes significant time and effort for citizens to voice their opinions. Collecting these 53,900 names took 120 days. This is the voice of the people, the true owners of the country.
“We call on the government to listen. We are not trying to cause conflict or division but are offering a way forward.”
Petition calls for referendum on casino legalization in Thailand
Thanakorn Khomkrit, Secretary-General of the Stop Gambling Foundation, calls for a national referendum on casino legalization at a public press conference. Credit: Stop Gambling Foundation via Instagram
He went on to outline why holding a referendum is both necessary and beneficial for all parties. He pointed out that casino legalization was never part of the government’s election campaign, meaning pushing it forward now without consulting the public could violate election laws. If, however, a referendum is held and the people vote in favor, the government would have the legitimacy it currently lacks.
Thanakorn then showcased how a referendum could benefit investors. “If the government proceeds unilaterally,” he warned, “laws passed in Parliament may not be accepted by the public.” Local resistance could arise wherever casinos are proposed. In contrast, a public mandate would give investors more confidence and a clearer path forward.
Delivery riders transport 53,900 petition signatures to the Election Commission, calling for a public referendum against casino legalization in Thailand. Credit: Stop Gambling Foundation via Instagram
He later went on to say how a referendum could help reduce national conflict. If the whole country has a say, no matter the outcome, people would be more likely to accept the results. That, in turn, would help lower political tensions and avoid deeper societal rifts.
As for the next steps, he explained that the ECT now has 30 days to verify all the submitted names and documents. If everything checks out, the list will be forwarded to the Office of the Cabinet Secretariat, which will present the matter to the Cabinet. Under the law, the Cabinet must formally vote to approve the referendum before it can move forward.
‘Voice of citizens being ignored’Among the many supporters present was creditor Natthararin Kasemsarnpipat, also known as “Ms. Ae.” She said: “I opposed the casino plan from the beginning. The government is supposed to represent us, but not in everything. This country does not belong solely to the government. If there’s going to be a casino, they must first ask the people. Benefits and harms must be clearly explained.”
She continued with a pointed remark: “Even a gecko’s call makes people stop, yet the voice of citizens across the country is being ignored? I don’t want to say much, but I really want to ask the government: What will you gain? What will we gain? I oppose this and will continue to do so.”
Natthararin also mentioned that the Confederation of Parents of Secondary Schools and the National Teachers Federation had submitted a letter to the Foundation expressing deep concern.
The groups oppose both the legalization of casinos and online gambling, which the government has hinted it may push forward. They strongly support a proper, transparent referendum, not a behind-the-scenes move like the pro-casino petition of over 80,000 signatures, which they claim had no genuine public involvement.
Kornkanok Makboon, the coordinator of the petition, explained that the public effort took 120 days, from late January through May. With the signatures now submitted, the process moves to verification, and if approved, the government will have no choice but to face the voice of the people.
Featured image: Stop Gambling Foundation via Instagram
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