Thai prime minister defends proposed casino bill amid opposition

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra defended a bill proposing casinos within special entertainment complexes, saying it could attract foreign investment, tourism and tax revenue. She said the proposal would include strict rules, background checks and security standards. Stop Gambling Foundation secretary-general Thanakorn Komkrit criticised the plan, citing money-laundering risks described by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.