Srettha was removed as Thai Prime Minister on 14th August for having appointed a Cabinet member that had served prison terms. Srettha Thavisin was the main proponent for “entertainment centers” in Thailand, including casinos.
Srettha Tavisin, the Thai prime minister was removed from her office on Wednesday (14th August) and accused of ethical misconduct.
Bangkok’s court dismissed Srettha after he had appointed a former prisoner as a member of his cabinet. Pichit Chuenban was an assistant to Thaksin Shiawatra, the former Prime Minister. He was found guilty in 2008 of attempting to bribe Supreme Court officials. He spent six months in prison.
Srettha’s appointment was criticized by a judge who said that Srettha “has no integrity.”
Supporter of legal casino
Srettha, who was appointed last August, has made it his goal to revive Thailand’s economy which is still recovering from Covid.
His plan included “Entertainment Complexes” with restaurants, hotels and casinos. The lawmakers considered issuing 5 to 8 licenses. Locations that could be considered include the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), Phuket, and Bangkok, capital city of the riverfront.
US gaming titans such as Wynn Resorts and MGM, along with Las Vegas Sands Corp. have expressed an interest in Thailand. Galaxy Entertainment Group, based in Macau, and Malaysia-based Genting Berhad also expressed interest.
Analysts estimated legal gaming in the kingdom could generate up to 536.6bn baht (PS11.8bn/EUR13.86bn/$15.15bn) per year. According to a House report, casinos could increase tourism revenues by 2 billion baht per year and improve tourist spending 52%.
The show has ended
Srettha told reporters that the show was over after receiving the ruling from court. “I’ve tried to be as honest as I can the last year. I refuse that I was the cause of any division or conflict.”
Thailand now has to form a government after Srettha was ousted. Now, the fate of entertainment centers is up for grabs.
