Four major religious organizations in Thailand have jointly called on the government to withdraw a controversial bill that would legalize casinos, warning that the bill would have an adverse impact on public morals and the country’s social fabric.
Faith-based opposition to the entertainment complex bill
The Royal Buddhist Association of Thailand (BATR), the Chief Islamic Office Wasatia Institute for Peace and Development (WIPD), the Christian Council of Thailand (CCT), the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand (CBCT) and others issued a joint statement condemning the so-called “entertainment complex bill”.
Each group expressed deep concern about the moral, ethical and social consequences of legalizing casinos in Thailand.
Catholic bishops warn of crime and social decay
The Board of Governors of the Central Bank of Thailand issued a statement on April 3 strongly opposing the bill and said that legal casinos would cause widespread harm to Thai society.
The CBCT warned that gambling addiction would lead to debt and ultimately to increased crime, including money laundering and human trafficking. The organization urged the government to prioritize moral values and social welfare over potential economic gains.
Thai Christian Church cites Bible against gambling
On April 4, the CCT, the largest Christian denomination in Thailand, issued a statement stressing that the Bible prohibits gambling.
The CCT strongly opposes the bill and urged Prime Minister Patongdan Shinawatra, the cabinet and all political parties to veto or withdraw it from parliament. The statement warned that legalizing casinos would erode public morality and lead to worsening social problems.
The statement also stressed that national development should be in line with good ethics and not subject to bad industry profits.
Buddhist Association says there are historical and ethical issues
The Casino Association of Thailand issued a statement on April 6 warning that the casino legalization bill goes against the teachings of the Buddha. The association cited King Rama I’s revision of Buddhist teachings as a fundamental principle for national development and sustainable development.
BATR believes that Thailand can build a self-sufficient economy without relying on casino revenue and reiterated its strong opposition along with other Buddhist organizations across the country.
Islamic Institute classifies gambling as a serious crime
Also on April 6, Sheikh Islam’s Office WIPD issued a statement condemning gambling as a serious crime under Islamic teachings.
WIPD warned that gambling will not only cause suffering to individuals, but also to families and society. The statement linked gambling to an increase in corruption, economic crimes, money laundering and even violent crimes.
The institute called on the government to reconsider the bill and stressed that its economic benefits would not outweigh the social costs.
