You can do a lot of interesting things in Thailand – legally, we mean. If their prime minister has his way, gambling will be one of them.

According to this Casino Wire  article, PM Samak Sundaravej was speaking on Thai television and radio when he was asked about illegal betting on football (soccer) matches. Samak, who has been in office two months, responded with a call for legalized gambling to bring Thailand in line with neighboring Malaysia and Singapore. Samak also called on parents and teachers to make sure children learn not to gamble.

Economics lecturer and government adviser Sangsidh Piriyarangsan says legalizing gambling would prevent 50 billion baht (US$1.58 billion) from being spent at casinos across the border. That’s a good thing for Thailand. But one look at Samak’s political record is enough to make you wonder if this is the man gambling advocates want in their corner. Unless they also need someone who can  cook.