Jaunted

Asia Travel

Thailand Considers Legalizing Casinos

March 4, 2008 at 9:40 AM | 0 Comments

As if Bangkok's nightlife didn't already provide enough outlets for vice, Thailand's interior minister is pushing for the legalization of casinos in the country. Let's see: prostitution, cheap eats, gambling... sounds familiar.

The minister, Chalerm Yubamrung, received the backing of the Prime Minister on the issue over the weekend. Critics have railed against the move, saying it will add to the primarily Buddhist country's societal ills. In response Chalerm has pointed to Malaysia, which is overwhelmingly Muslim, as a successful model of a how casinos can fit in a religious nation.

While we love a good poker game, this doesn't sound like a great idea. Thailand's spiritual heritage and modern distractions have coexisted in a balance for years--this might really tip the scales, and we can already envision the tourist throngs flocking to Buddha-themed gambling halls. Paging Max Gogarty...

Related Stories:
· Chalerm Favors Legalizing Casinos [Bangkok Post]
· Thailand Travel coverage [Jaunted]
· Casino Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: fxp]