On April 27, 2025, the Nida Poll, part of the National Institute of Development Administration, released a survey revealing public sentiment regarding the proposed establishment of casinos in Thailand. The survey, conducted between April 21-23, 2025, gathered responses from 1,310 participants across various demographics, including age, education level, and income, to gauge opinions on the topic of integrated entertainment venues, which include casinos.
The results indicated a divided opinion among the populace. A significant 45.73% of respondents expressed that they did not prioritize the issue of casinos at all. In contrast, 27.24% indicated equal importance between integrated entertainment venues and casinos, while 19.47% showed more concern for the entertainment venues rather than the casinos themselves. Only 7.56% of participants focused primarily on the casino aspect.
When asked about the likelihood of a draft law regarding integrated entertainment venues passing without the inclusion of casinos, 46.18% believed it would not pass, while 32.67% thought it would. Furthermore, 19.01% felt it was impossible to propose such legislation without a casino component. This skepticism reflects a broader concern regarding the political implications of casino legislation in Thailand.
The survey also highlighted reactions to statements made by Nattacha Boonchai Insawat, a member of parliament and executive of the Bhumjaithai Party, who declared, "there will not be a problem with casinos." In response, 35.80% of the public viewed this as a correct decision, while 29.08% saw it as a political maneuver by the Bhumjaithai Party. Additionally, 27.63% believed it was a personal decision unrelated to party policy, and 22.44% thought it was merely a response to public sentiment, ultimately suggesting that the party would follow its internal decisions.
Interestingly, the survey indicated a belief among some respondents that the Pheu Thai Party would ultimately find a way to push for the establishment of integrated entertainment venues with casinos. This raises questions about potential fractures within the Bhumjaithai Party and suggests a readiness to sever ties with the Pheu Thai Party.
In a broader context, the Nida Poll findings coincide with ongoing discussions about the regulatory framework for integrated entertainment venues in Thailand. According to Inside Asian Gaming (IAG), a leading source of information on the Asian gaming industry, the Thai government is currently reviewing the draft legislation for integrated entertainment venues, which was first introduced in August 2024. This draft law aims to regulate and facilitate the development of casinos in Thailand, aligning with successful models from neighboring countries like Singapore.
The draft legislation outlines several key requirements for potential investors, including a minimum registered capital of 10 billion baht (approximately $285 million) and a minimum investment of 100 billion baht (around $3 billion) per project. This high threshold is intended to attract only large, experienced operators, reflecting the government’s desire for substantial investment in the entertainment sector.
Moreover, the proposed law stipulates that the casino area within each integrated entertainment venue can occupy up to 10% of the total venue space, a significant increase from the previous limit of 5%. This adjustment aligns with the government's push for a more robust gaming industry, as exemplified by the comparison to The Venetian Macao, which features a casino area of approximately 40,000 to 50,000 square meters.
However, the draft law has faced criticism, particularly regarding the proposed entry fee for Thai citizens. The law suggests a 5,000 baht (around $150) entry fee and a requirement for Thai nationals to maintain a minimum deposit of 50 million baht (approximately $1.5 million) for at least six months. Critics argue that these requirements create barriers to access for the average Thai citizen, limiting eligibility to around 10,000 individuals out of a population exceeding 70 million.
Kevin Clayton, a representative from Galaxy Entertainment Group, commented on this issue, stating, "There is no jurisdiction in the world that has imposed such high barriers for locals to enter casinos and expects large entertainment complexes to succeed." This sentiment highlights the potential economic implications of the proposed regulations, which could deter local engagement and investment.
In terms of governance, the draft law proposes a policy committee chaired by the Prime Minister to oversee the industry, diverging from practices in other jurisdictions that typically employ independent regulatory bodies. This approach has raised concerns about political interference and transparency, which could impact foreign investor confidence.
As the Thai government considers revisions to the draft law based on stakeholder feedback, uncertainty remains regarding how to balance stringent regulations with incentives for investment. Observers note that for Thailand to successfully develop its integrated entertainment complex industry, it must learn from the experiences of countries like Singapore, Macau, and the Philippines, which have successfully navigated similar challenges.
In conclusion, the results of the Nida Poll and the ongoing legislative discussions underscore the complexities surrounding the introduction of casinos in Thailand. With public opinion divided and significant regulatory hurdles still to be overcome, the future of integrated entertainment venues in the country remains uncertain. Stakeholders will be watching closely as the government navigates these challenges in pursuit of a thriving entertainment sector.
