Thai analysis demonstrates reliance on proposed casino infrastructure

A survey conducted by Thailand’s national institute of development administration (NIDA) has found that nearly half of those asked view casinos as an integral element of the proposed entertainment complex bill. 

According to the results, 46% of respondents expect that the bill would fail if the casino component were to be discarded from the motion. 

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The survey welcomed thoughts from 1,310 individuals aged 18 and over from 21 to 23 April. It follows a separate, wider analysis of the nation’s sentiment towards land-based gambling – in which 70,000 citizens were asked to fill out a questionnaire on the topic. 

Almost two months on from that government-led assessment, the NIDA found that 33% of participants believe the entertainment complex bill will succeed without casino planning. 

19% are of the mind that abolishing all casino-adjacent affairs is unrealistic and impractical – culminating in 65% of surveyees perceiving the casino element as a necessary inclusion. Just 2% were apathetic to the issue. 

Also included in the survey were questions regarding recent remarks by Bhumjaithai Party secretary general, Chaichanok Chidchob, who expressed hostility against the integration of retail casinos. 

The NIDA’s polling revealed that 35.8% support Chaichanok’s stance, while 22% suspect that he is simply catering to public opinion.

28% trust that Chaichanok has taken this viewpoint in good faith – but 29% hypothesize that he is motivated by political gains. 

Results for the remaining questions were just as tight. Although 20% of respondents are confident that the ruling Pheu Party will successfully carry out their casino complex strategy, 17% hold the opposite view.

Chaichanok’s anti-casino posture represents a potential rift between government coalition partners – and 9% of those asked in this survey expect the Bhumjaithai Party to split from its current accord with the Pheu Party. Just 7% said the party would be cut off by the standing government. 

This data arrives in the wake of comments by prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, encouraging partners to raise public awareness of the potential economic boost derived from full-scale casino implementation.

Paetongtarn cited nationwide improvements as a driving factor behind the entertainment complex bill, saying: “This project involves foreign private sector investment, from which the government will be able to collect taxes - benefiting the country as a whole. 

“Moreover, it will create employment opportunities through various activities, such as concert organisation, which in turn will lead to increased tax revenue.”

Despite notable parliamentary division, the prime minister reaffirmed her confidence in the project: “We still have time before the next parliamentary session opens. We’ll do our utmost to move this forward. What I presented to Parliament, I believe, could be of great national benefit - otherwise, I would not have initiated this matter.”

The entertainment complex bill has endured a tumultuous period since its inception, with opposition demonstrations, public outcry and parliamentary debates sparking quarrels. 

Thailand’s parliament will next convene on 2 July, with much of the session’s focus anticipated to centre on this controversial bill.