Somsak Thepsutin, Minister of Justice, has asked for the creation of new regulations for animal fights and races in order to improve tourism and tax income.
The minister has directed that relevant agencies work together to write a new legislation establishing the criteria for practices like bull and fish fighting, as well as horse racing. Furthermore, the proposal would legalize betting in order to increase tax income and impose pedigree requirements in order to improve the quality of the animals.
The decision comes after the Ministry of Interior issued a notice enabling the continuation of these operations, which had been halted during the epidemic. Animal competitions are a long-standing tradition in many parts of the nation, according to Minister Somsak, and the move would strengthen the Thai economy and attract more foreign tourists.
To entice more tourists and raise entry prices, the minister believes that internationally recognized regulations for animal fights and races should be adopted. Furthermore, legalizing gambling will allow for tax collection and additional cash for the state to fund national development.
Somsak went on to say that when the new law goes into force, it would assist many communities and farmers.
