No casino agenda in South: BJT

The Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) has firmly refuted claims that its proposed Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) bill is a veiled attempt to introduce casinos into the region. Chief government whip Korrawee Prissananantakul clarified that the SEC bill is purely focused on economic development, investment, and infrastructure, drawing parallels with the successful Eastern Economic Corridor initiative. He stressed that the bill contains no language related to casinos or entertainment complexes, aiming to dispel public confusion and counter what he described as attempts to attack the BJT.

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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.

Korrawee also addressed concerns about the Land Bridge project, asserting its importance for long-term economic growth in the South. He highlighted that feasibility studies are underway, with a focus on public participation and ensuring local communities benefit. The BJT's commitment to developing the South, an area often overlooked, is reiterated, with a call for it to receive the same attention and investment as other regions in Thailand.

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Southern provinces should receive the same attention and investment as other regions across Thailand.

This clarification comes amid ongoing debates about development projects in the South. The BJT's stance underscores a nationalistic perspective that prioritizes regional development and economic opportunities, while also pushing back against what they perceive as misinformation. The party emphasizes that constructive criticism is welcome in a democracy, but distorting facts to incite fear is unacceptable. From Thailand's perspective, these projects are crucial for unlocking the South's potential in transport, logistics, tourism, trade, and investment, areas that have historically lagged behind other parts of the country.

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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.