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Published on March 6, 2008

His announcement was not really surprising - Samak earlier said that the gambling habit runs through Thai blood - even though it has met with strong opposition from most elements in society.

Yesterday, callers phoned in to the 102.5 FM radio news talk show programme and only around twenty per cent of them supported the idea of legalising gambling. Those who supported the idea said it would generate more money for the government to spend on boosting the economy.

Opponents cited their own experiences. Some said their children were addicted to gambling even though it is still illegal. One mother said that her husband was addicted to gambling and her children's education fund was regularly squandered.

So  what do the other Thai newspapers think about Samak's inspirational idea to create a kind of "Casino Royale" in Thailand.

Krungthep Thurakit's editorial leader said that the government should think of the benefits for the majority in reviving that casino project. In fact, the proposed legalising of casinos is a follow-up idea to the initiative first mooted during Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's term. The ousted PM planned to open an extravagant entertainment complex in the region.

"The Prime Minister's initiative would certainly lead to questions about the impact on society because more gambling dens would certainly lead to social problems. For instance, families already suffer from illegal gambling on football or illegal card dens.

"The question is also how to ensure the regulation of legal gambling activities. Needless to say, the revival of this idea will cause serious debate in society about the merits of the project. The government should know better than anyone whether it's worth pursuing the casino idea."

Matichon's Thakoon Boonpan, also questioned the merits of the casino project. Thakoon questioned if Thailand would have sufficient capacity to raise domestic funds to finance such a big entertainment/casino complex project. If not, we would need foreign funding. The main question then will be who would benefit from the project, locals or foreigners?

Besides, there is also the question of morality and the economic impact on ordinary people. The paper said, "Only when the government is able to answer these questions clearly may it start considering this project."

REPORTERS' DAY

On the occasion of Reporters Day, The Daily News's columnist Khuen Khan voiced concerns over Prime Minister Samak's attitude toward the media.

"He uses his weekly TV and radio programme to attack the media, especially those who accused him of being Thaksin's nominee, now that the deposed prime minister is back in Thailand.

Khuen Kan said that Samak should not over-react. "I rather think that if he performed his duty well, then his critics would naturally fade away."

The column also referred to the transfer of Pramote Rathavinit, director-general of the Public Relations Department. This was a negative sign in the government's attempts to intervene the media.

Jakrapob Penkair, the Prime Minister's Office Minister, recently implied that he was not happy with the financial performance of MCOT. The paper questioned if this showed that the future of Vasan Paileeklee, the MCOT president, was in doubt.

"I am concerned about his attitude. Jakrapob should not use this as an excuse to sack Vasan. He should know that the financial performance should not be the main indicator in judging the performance of MCOT."

The Nation