Some influential political figures believe Thailand needs to legalize casinos, if only to keep Thai gamblers at home where they belong.

On Monday, Major Arnun Watcharothai told The Nation that there were currently 22 casinos clustered just beyond Thailand’s borders and 80% of the gamblers inside these casinos are Thais. Arnun wants to permit casinos in specific areas like Pattaya so that Thai citizens – and casino taxes – don’t fly the coop.

Arnun is one of a dozen members of the National Reform Council (NRC) that have banded together under the banner of ‘NRC members who love Thailand.’ (Aim higher, guys.) The 250-member NRC, which was formed following last year’s military coup, has been tasked with implementing reforms across the Thai landscape, including the economy, society, law and justice.

The increased surveillance during the coup revealed that there are plenty of small illegal casinos already operating within Thailand, along with a thriving illegal sports betting market. But efforts to convince the pre-coup government to legalize the practice met with opposition from Buddhist groups and the matter was always dropped.