Key points:
- 56.7% oppose both casino and entertainment complex plans
- 78.2% remain against even if revenue is used for public benefit
- 61.6% support holding a national referendum
As reported by the Bangkok Post, most Thai citizens remain firmly opposed to the government’s proposal to permit casino-inclusive entertainment complexes, according to a recent poll conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA).
The survey, conducted between 16 and 18 June 2025, sampled 1,310 adults across a range of demographics nationwide.
Results showed that 56.72% of respondents rejected both the idea of entertainment complexes and casinos, while only 24.12% were in favour of both. A smaller proportion (8.78%) supported the development of entertainment centres excluding gambling facilities.
Further questioning revealed that a large majority (78.21%) remained unconvinced even if funds generated by the complexes were to be allocated to areas like education, public infrastructure and social welfare.
Good to know: Even with promises that no state budget would be used and projected annual revenues of THB12bn-THB39bn (US$326m-US$1.06bn), 84.15% of those opposed remained against the plan
Public sentiment is also sceptical about the political process. While 37.1% believed the proposed legislation might be considered but ultimately rejected in Parliament’s first reading scheduled for early July, 27.48% expected a delay. Only 19.85% believed the bill would pass.
In terms of decision-making, 61.6% of respondents supported holding a national referendum to settle the matter, suggesting that the public wants a direct say in whether Thailand moves forward with legalised casino operations as part of broader entertainment initiatives.
