Majority of Thai Respondents Disagree with Casinos and Online Gambling, Survey Shows - 59% and 69%, Respectively
In the heart of Southeast Asia, public sentiment towards the government's gambling legislation in Thailand is heated and far from supportive. A recently conducted poll by the National Institute of Development Administration reveals that a whopping 69% and 59% of respondents are against online gambling and land-based casinos, respectively, while only 29% back both proposals.
According to the poll results, many Thais also refuse the idea of a public referendum on the matters, with 51% firmly disagreeing. Despite the widespread disapproval, the Thai government has already green-lit a draft bill in January to legalize online gambling and land-based casinos, with the aim of driving tourism and beefing up tax revenue.
The draft bill, often referred to as the Entertainment Complex Bill, is facing roadblocks, though. The bill's legislative progress has been delayed until at least July 2025, and a special senate committee has been set up to study the bill, with an expected completion date by October 2025.
The proposed changes are contentious, and there have been public demonstrations outside the Bangkok parliament building as well as political divisions within the ruling coalition government. International concerns arise due to potential risks of criminals exploiting the online gaming sector for illicit activities.
Although the proposed changes could potentially generate over US$3bn in tax revenue, there are concerns about the expanded informal economy, weakened governance, and the potential for money laundering. Critics worry that casinos could act as hotspots for criminal activity, undermining social stability.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra champions the bill, arguing that legalized gambling will increase foreign tourism income, also attracting foreign investment without requesting government funds. However, she is criticized for allegedly acting in her father, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra's interests, who is a supporter of legal casinos.
- The controversy surrounding casino-and-gambling legislation in Thailand is evident, as a majority of respondents in a recent pollreject casinos and online gambling, and oppose holding a public referendum on the matter.
- Despite this opposition, the Thai government has moved forward with the Entertainment Complex Bill, drafted in January, aiming to legalize casino-games, both online and land-based, to boost tourism revenue and tax income.
- The bill, currently facing delays until July 2025, has stirred concerns about gambling trends and policy-and-legislation, including potential implications for responsible-gambling, money laundering, and law enforcement oversight.
- The political landscape is fraught with criticism, as some question the motives of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who advocates for the bill, and suggest she may be acting in the interests of her father, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, a supporter of legal casinos, within the wider context of general-news and politics.
