Phuket –
Phuket residents are rallying together to oppose the establishment of casinos in their province, with the hashtag #PhuketSayNoToCasinos gaining widespread traction on social media platforms. This movement reflects a strong group stance against the proposed Entertainment Complex Act, listed as a priority issue for the current Thai government.
Our previous story:
On April 2nd, citizens, local businesses owners, and prominent figures from Phuket voiced their concerns online, highlighting the potential dangers casinos could bring to their community. Among those leading the opposition is Anchalee Vanich Tephabutra, who stated, “Phuket says NO to casinos—understand? Open a public forum, the majority of Phuket residents have made it clear. We don’t want the scourge of gambling in our province!”
Similarly, Narong Phromchit expressed his views by sharing a bold post with the hashtag #PhuketSayNoToCasinos, stating the need to preserve the unique identity of Phuket. Meanwhile, online group “Phuket Chuan” reinforced their stance, warning also that passing casino laws with many other pressing issues, such as the recent Myanmar earthquake that also affected Bangkok, should not be a priority.
One notable voice from Patong, Tharathip Punthip, outlined five key reasons for their firm opposition to casinos:
- Disruption to Community Culture: Casinos may alter the authentic character of Phuket, potentially overshadowing its appeal as a family-friendly tourist destination.
- Increased Crime Risk: Evidence from other cities suggests that casinos are often linked to criminal activities, including money laundering and social instability.
- Negative Economic Impact: Local businesses might suffer as economic focus shifts toward large-scale casino operators, reducing cash flow within smaller enterprises.
- Environmental Harm: Casino projects often demand extensive land use and resources, potentially damaging Phuket’s natural ecological balance.
- Lack of Sustainable Development: Advocates for Phuket’s long-term growth argue that fostering cultural tourism and local economic initiatives would be far more beneficial than introducing gambling hubs.
The movement has not only sparked online debate but also led to action. A public gathering is scheduled for April 5th, 2025, at Saphan Hin Public Park in Phuket Town, where community members will unite to express their stance against the bill.
As Phuket remains strong in its rejection of casinos, residents are urging the government to listen to their voices and prioritize sustainable development over gambling enterprises.
