Twelve national reformers of the junta-appointed National Reform Council have a novel solution to Thailand’s gambling problem: legalize it.

A frequent target of the kingdom’s seasonal crackdowns, gambling is widespread and legalizing and regulating it would be a boon to the Thai economy.

“Casinos should be legalized for the sake of our country,” Col. Arnan Watcharothai said at a news conference yesterday.

Saying gambling could help the country’s economic slowdown, the group cited the fact Thailand’s neighbors have casinos serving many customers daily.

To stave off religious objections to gambling, council member Kriangkrai Phumilaojaeng pointed out that even Muslim countries such as Malaysia allow casinoes.

They went further to say that the plan is being considered to find out pros and cons by the group and would be forwarded to the government for further consideration.

Large casinos operate relatively openly in Bangkok, widely believed to be under police protection that has been eroded since last year’s coup.

Photo: Nick Ares

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