Thailand Casino Plans in Doubt After Poll Shows Overwhelming Opposition

Article by : Erik Gibbs Jan 27, 2025

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Thailand’s plans to legalize casinos and online gambling face growing opposition, according to a recent poll by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA). The survey, conducted on January 20-21, revealed that 59% of respondents disapprove of allowing casino investments and entertainment complexes in the country. 

Another 69% opposed legalizing online gambling, which has been proposed to support these developments. The findings highlight significant resistance to the government’s initiative, which has been promoted as a way to boost tourism and economic growth.

The poll surveyed 1,310 Thai citizens aged 18 and older, with a margin of error of 3%. Only 29% of participants expressed support for both casinos and the entertainment venues in which they would be housed. A smaller portion of respondents supported one aspect of the plan but not the other. These results indicate that many Thais remain unconvinced by government assurances about the benefits of legalizing gambling.

The pushback was evident during a provincial election campaign rally in Si Sa Ket, where attendees displayed banners denouncing the proposed casinos and online gambling. Critics argue that these initiatives could have long-term negative effects on future generations, potentially encouraging gambling addiction and related social problems.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has defended the plan, describing the proposed entertainment complexes as “man-made tourist destinations” capable of creating jobs and generating significant revenue. She acknowledged the public’s concerns and stated that the government is committed to addressing these issues as the proposal moves forward. 

The bill, recently approved in principle by Thailand’s Cabinet, aims to position the country as a competitive player in the global gaming industry within the next six years. The legislation also envisions integrating casinos into large entertainment hubs that include hotels, convention centers, and amusement parks.

Supporters of the initiative argue that legal casinos could help Thailand combat its illegal gambling market while attracting international tourists. Financial experts, including Citigroup Inc., have suggested that Thailand has the potential to become a significant player in the gaming sector if it successfully implements its plans. Proponents believe that regulated casinos could generate substantial tax revenue and contribute to economic growth.

Despite these arguments, opposition continues to grow. Many citizens remain skeptical about the government’s ability to mitigate the potential social harms associated with gambling. 

Critics also question whether the promised economic benefits will outweigh the risks, particularly for vulnerable communities. With public sentiment leaning heavily against the initiative, the future of legalized casinos and online gambling in Thailand remains uncertain.

The government faces a challenging path as it seeks to balance economic ambitions with addressing public resistance. Whether the initiative will gain traction or stall under mounting opposition will likely depend on how effectively these concerns are managed in the coming months.