Bangkok: Civil society stops gambling, arranges for riders to urgently deliver 53,900 signatures, calling for a referendum "Yes-No to casinos", do not use the majority vote mechanism to drag casinos, listen to the people.
According to Thai News Agency, the Stop Gambling Foundation, led by Secretary-General Mr. Thanakorn Khomkrit and supported by a network of riders, submitted 53,900 signatures to the Election Commission. This petition urges the Cabinet to approve a referendum under the Referendum Act to decide on the acceptance or rejection of casinos.
Mr. Thanakorn emphasized that gathering the signatures required significant investment and effort over 120 days. He stated that the government should heed the people's voices, as they represent the true owners of the country. He highlighted three benefits of holding a referendum: gaining government consensus if the public supports casinos, providing assurance to investors, and minimizing national conflict by achieving a common resolution.
Mr. Thanakorn further explained the procedural steps that follow the submission. The Election Commission has up to 30 days to verify the documentation and signatures. Upon verification, these will be sent to the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Cabinet must then vote to approve the referendum proposal.
Ms. Nattharin Kasemsanpipat, also known as 'Jae Ae,' expressed her opposition, emphasizing the need for the government to listen to the people's voices. She argued that the pros and cons must be clearly communicated to the public, as the government should not unilaterally make such significant decisions.
The Federation of Secondary School Parents Networks, along with the Teachers' Federation, have also voiced their concerns. They presented a letter to the Foundation Secretary, supporting the referendum and opposing the government's plans to legalize casinos and online gambling. They praised the transparent process undertaken by civil society, which contrasts with previous government actions that excluded public involvement.
Ms. Korakanok Makboon, the referendum coordinator, recounted the 120-day effort to collect signatures from January to May. She noted that the Election Commission's next task is to verify the signatures within 30 days before forwarding them to the Cabinet, effectively putting the matter in the government's hands.