As the debate continues over whether or not to legalize casinos in Thailand, one prominent academic is calling for a focus on police reform before any such legislation is passed.
Dr. Somchai Riewpattanapong, a leading expert on law enforcement and public policy at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, argues that without significant changes to the country’s police force, the potential negative consequences of legalizing casinos could far outweigh any potential economic benefits.
In an exclusive interview with Asia Gaming Brief, Dr. Riewpattanapong cited numerous examples of corruption and misconduct within the Thai police force, including instances of officers colluding with organized crime groups, accepting bribes from illegal gambling operators, and even participating in the very activities they are supposed to be policing.
“Legalizing casinos in Thailand could create a breeding ground for even more of this type of behavior,” he warned. “Without proper oversight and accountability measures in place, there is a high risk that the industry could become a hotbed of corruption, money laundering, and other criminal activities.”
Dr. Riewpattanapong also pointed to the recent scandal involving a high-ranking police official who was found to have amassed a fortune through connections with illegal gambling syndicates. The case, which has shocked the nation and cast a shadow over the integrity of the entire police force, has renewed calls for widespread reforms within the department.
“Before we even consider opening the door to a potentially lucrative yet highly contentious industry like casinos, we must first address the deep-rooted issues within our law enforcement agencies,” he stressed. “This means implementing strict anti-corruption measures, increasing transparency and accountability, and creating an environment where officers are held to the highest ethical standards.”
In addition to police reform, Dr. Riewpattanapong believes that a comprehensive regulatory framework must be put in place to govern the operations of casinos in Thailand, should they be legalized. He emphasized the importance of stringent licensing requirements, strict guidelines for responsible gambling practices, and robust monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to prevent criminal activity.
“Legalizing casinos is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires careful consideration and thorough planning,” he said. “It is not something that should be rushed into without first addressing the underlying issues that could potentially jeopardize the integrity of the industry and the safety of our citizens.”
As Thailand grapples with the question of whether or not to legalize casinos, Dr. Riewpattanapong’s call for police reform and comprehensive regulation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring that any decision made is in the best interest of the country and its people. Only time will tell if his warnings will be heeded by lawmakers and stakeholders as they navigate this contentious issue.
