A Nida Poll conducted April 21-23 found that 46% of 1,310 respondents thought Thailand's Entertainment Complex Bill would be rejected if the casino element was dropped, while 33% believed the bill would still pass1. The poll was carried out after the government backed away from its bid to push the bill through parliament following strong opposition from various sectors1.
A total of 1,310 people aged 18 and over of various levels of education, occupations and income nationwide participated in the opinion poll1. Of those, 19% said it would be impossible for the casino component to be removed, and 2% showed no interest in the issue1.
The survey also asked about Bhumjaithai Party secretary-general Chaichanok Chidchob, who announced his opposition to casinos during a House meeting despite the government's move to delay deliberation of the bill1. About 35.8% of respondents backed Mr Chaichanok, 28% saw it as a personal stance, and about 22% believed he was simply following public sentiment1. Another 29% viewed his opposition as a political move, signaling the Bhumjaithai Party was looking for bargaining power1.
On the bill's prospects, 20% of respondents believed the ruling Pheu Thai Party would succeed in pushing for the casino-entertainment complex, while about 17% believed such venues were unlikely to materialize1. Another 16% saw Mr Chaichanok's announcement as a sign that the coalition partner was not supportive of the bill1.
When asked about unity, 9% said it was a signal the Bhumjaithai Party was ready to break up the political alliance, and about 10.84% believed an internal rift was growing in Bhumjaithai1. About 7% said Bhumjaithai was highly likely to be axed from the government, about 6% said the party made a wrong move, and 5% thought Pheu Thai would eventually back down1.
"The survey, conducted during April 21-23, found that 46% of the participants thought the bill would be rejected if the casino element was dropped"
What it means for players
Thailand has no legal casino gambling at present, and the Entertainment Complex Bill was the proposed route to licensed integrated resorts that would sit alongside other entertainment venues. The poll numbers describe public expectations about whether that route survives, not a change in the law. Until a bill passes and venues open, the practical position for locals, expats and visitors in Thailand is unchanged: casino gambling remains illegal, and the survey does not report any new enforcement or licensing measures. The findings also show that the casino component is treated by many respondents as the part of the package most likely to decide the bill's fate, which means the timeline for any legal casino floor in Thailand remains tied to the parliamentary process rather than to a fixed date.
What happens next
The government has backed away from its bid to push the bill through parliament following strong opposition from various sectors1. No date for a further parliamentary step, a revised bill or a fresh vote is given in the poll report. The survey records expectations only: 20% of respondents thought Pheu Thai would succeed in pushing the casino-entertainment complex, and about 17% thought such venues were unlikely to materialize1.
