Thailand’s entertainment complex legislation, which may or may not include casinos, is facing significant challenges. According to a recent survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), 46.18% of Thai citizens believe that the bill, currently pending in the lower house of parliament, will not advance, even if casinos are excluded. Nearly the same percentage, 45.73%, expressed indifference to the entire entertainment complex plan.

Political Support and Opposition for Thai Casino Bill

While there is some support for the bill, including backing from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, there is also notable opposition. Bhumjaithai Party Secretary General Chaichanok Chidchob has publicly stated that he will not support gaming venues in Thailand. His stance has found support from 36% of those surveyed by NIDA, although 56% believe his position is politically motivated or not aligned with his party’s official stance on casinos.

Industry Optimism Meets Uncertain Political Reality

At the beginning of the year, there was optimism within the gaming industry about the potential for rapid progress on the entertainment complex bill, especially with the casino element included. However, this optimism is now tempered by the public’s lack of strong support. While some politicians hoped to see Thai gaming venues open before Japan’s MGM Osaka in 2030, recent survey results indicate that fewer than a third of respondents believe the bill will make it past the first reading in the lower house of parliament. The bill’s fate remains uncertain, with many questioning whether it will ultimately succeed.