Government Spokesman Denies Fake News Claims About Southern Economic Corridor Bill Allowing Casinos and 99-Year Land Leases
Government spokesman Rachada Thanadirek denied false claims that a Southern Economic Corridor bill would authorize casinos and 99-year land leases, clarifying the provisions came from an earlier draft by a former parliamentarian.
On May 8, 2025, Government Spokesman Rachada Thanadirek clarified false claims circulating online that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Interior Minister, and the Bhumjaithai Party proposed a Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) bill authorizing casino construction and 99-year land leases. She confirmed these claims are untrue, stating that the provisions mentioned in the news were excerpted from an earlier draft bill on the Southern Economic Corridor development zone proposed by former parliamentarian Naphadol Keowsuphattana of the Thai Local Power Party. She noted that casino provisions have appeared in at least three other parliamentary bills, which can be verified on the parliamentary website.
Regarding the Land Bridge project, the Prime Minister established a committee headed by Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanpracha and Finance Minister to study the initiative. Rachada emphasized that if the project is found to lack value or public support, it will not proceed. She stressed that the government must carefully consider and listen to all stakeholders before making decisions.
