Survey Reveals Most Thailand Voters Support Casinos in Controversial Bill

A recent survey indicates that a considerable majority of Thai voters consider casinos integral to the controversial entertainment complex bill currently pending in the House of Representatives.

Conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida Poll), the survey highlights public sentiment regarding the legalization of casinos, revealing that without them, the bill may struggle to gain legislative support. This survey was reported by Thai PBS.

Casinos and the Entertainment Complex Bill

The Nida Poll surveyed 1,310 respondents aged 18 and older from April 21 to April 23. The findings suggest that as the debate intensifies, public opinion is firmly aligning with the inclusion of casinos in the bill.

In fact, when participants were asked if the legislation would clear the House without the legalization of casinos, 46.18% responded negatively, while 32.67% were optimistic about its chances. Notably, 19.01% believed it would be “impossible” for the bill to progress without casino legalization, and 2.14% chose not to comment.

Reflecting on these results, Nida Poll director Dr. Kanchana Wangsuphakijkoson stated, “The data clearly shows that a substantial portion of the population sees casinos as crucial to the entertainment complex vision laid out by the ruling party. This perspective may influence lawmakers as they consider the bill.”

Political Landscape and Casino Legalization

The timing of the survey coincides with comments made by Bhumjaithai Party secretary-general Chaichanok Chidchob, who recently declared he would never support the legalization of casinos.

Such statements indicate the deep divisions within the political landscape regarding this issue. In contrast, the ruling Pheu Thai Party insists that while casinos would be part of the proposed entertainment complexes, they are merely a small facet of a larger recreational initiative.

“Casinos are only a small part of what we’re trying to create with these entertainment complexes,” a spokesperson from the Pheu Thai Party stated. “Our focus is on promoting tourism and creating jobs, with casinos being one component of a diverse offering.”