Thailand’s long-awaited entertainment complex bill — with or without casino provisions — may fail to progress, and nearly half of surveyed citizens say they’re indifferent to the outcome.
A National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) poll of 1,310 adults found that 46.18% believe the bill pending in the House of Representatives will not move forward even if casinos are removed. Similarly, 45.73% said they have no strong opinion on the entertainment complex plan at all.
The findings follow comments from Bhumjaithai Party Secretary General Chaichanok Chidchob, who said he won’t support casinos in Thailand. While the ruling Pheu Thai Party backs casino development, Bhumjaithai is part of the governing coalition and holds a minority position.
Public reaction to Chaichanok’s stance is mixed: nearly 36% of respondents called his position “righteous,” while more than 56% believe he’s either maneuvering politically or not voicing his party’s true position.
Growing Support Meets Political Friction
Earlier this year, momentum appeared to be building for the entertainment complex bill, buoyed by support from top government officials including Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Many in the gaming sector hoped Thailand could open its venues ahead of MGM Osaka, Japan’s first integrated resort now under construction and set to open in 2030.
In November, Thailand identified Bangkok, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, and Phuket as proposed locations for regulated casinos, with speculation that Bangkok could receive two licenses due to its status as a major tourism hub.
Global operators are eyeing the opportunity as well, seeking expansion beyond Las Vegas and Asia’s already-established casino markets in Macau and Singapore. Analysts say a mature Thai casino industry could rank third globally, behind only Macau and Las Vegas.
Public Skepticism Leaves the Bill Stalled
Despite industry optimism, doubts from Thai citizens remain significant. Only 27.24% of survey participants believe the entertainment complexes and casino elements carry equal importance, and just 7.56% say the casino issue is their primary concern.
Less than a third expect the bill to clear a first reading in the lower house, while 19% think it won’t advance at all. Only one in five respondents believe the ruling Pheu Thai Party has enough political strength to push the casino bill through parliament.
Overall, the NIDA poll suggests Thailand’s casino legislation remains effectively stuck in neutral — and the public may be content to leave it that way.
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