No casino agenda in South: BJT

SEC moves 'have no gambling link'

PUBLISHED : 10 May 2026 at 08:14

WRITER: Post Reporters

The Bhumjaithai (BJT) Party's proposed Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) bill would not lead to casinos in the region, says chief government whip Korrawee Prissananantakul.

Writing on Facebook on Saturday, he said debate over the SEC bill had been mistakenly linked to the casino issue in an attempt to attack the BJT and create confusion among the public, particularly people in the South.

He said the party's SEC bill contains no wording related to "casino" or "entertainment complex".

"There is no hidden agenda. What the bill contains is economic development, investment, infrastructure and the allocation of economic opportunities and potential in the South, much like what has been seen with the Eastern Economic Corridor," he wrote.

Mr Korrawee also dismissed claims the BJT was trying to push the SEC bill through parliament, saying all unfinished legislation expired following the dissolution of the previous House.

As a result, the party's SEC bill no longer exists in the current parliament and has not been reintroduced for consideration, he said.

He also defended the government's Land Bridge project, saying it was intended to strengthen long-term economic growth in the South.

He said Ekniti Nitithanprapas had been assigned to study the project's feasibility, value and potential impact while ensuring public participation from local communities.

Mr Korrawee said the South should no longer be treated as a neglected region, adding the area had potential in transport, logistics, tourism, trade and investment.

Such opportunities had often been overlooked in the past, delaying development compared with other parts of the country.

He said the BJT remained committed to improving infrastructure and creating economic opportunities.

"Southern provinces should receive the same attention and investment as other regions across Thailand," he said. "Criticism is acceptable in a democratic system, but distorting facts to create fear among the public is not. The public should receive all the facts and not be misled by half-truths."

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