Following news that the Thai cabinet approved the drafting of a law to legalise gambling earlier this month, Chiang Mai activists came out in protest today.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra cited the potential of legal casinos to bolster recovery in Thailand’s tourism sector as a reason for lifting Thailand’s anti gambling law, put into effect in 1935.
A network of activists came together today at Tha Pae Gate, following rumours that Kat Suan Kaew Mall could potentially be turned into a casino, to protest the move. They say that an untold number of social issues, including crippling debt, crime, drugs and other negative effects, would be much worse on society than any monetary gains from casinos.
Around 200 protesters held signs, in an effort to counter the government narrative.
The group walked from the governor’s residence to Tha Pae Gate, holding signs in Thai, English and Chinese, pointing to the dangers of gambling.
