On June 23, 2025, the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) released the results of a comprehensive nationwide survey that revealed the Thai public’s strong opposition to the proposed Entertainment Complex policy, which includes a casino. Conducted between June 16 and 18, the survey gathered opinions from 1,310 respondents aged 18 and over, spanning all regions, education levels, occupations, and income brackets across Thailand. Utilizing a multi-stage sampling method and telephone interviews, the survey achieved a 97% confidence level with a margin of error not exceeding 0.05.
The central question was whether the public supported the government's plan to permit investment in a comprehensive entertainment complex that would incorporate a casino. The findings were clear: 56.72% of respondents opposed the entire concept, rejecting both the entertainment complex and the casino. This majority reflects widespread concerns and resistance to the project among the Thai populace.
In contrast, only 24.12% expressed agreement with both the entertainment complex and the casino, less than half the number of those opposed. Another 8.78% favored an entertainment complex without a casino, indicating a segment of the population open to entertainment development but wary of gambling. Meanwhile, a small minority of 1.37% supported a casino alone, and 9.01% remained indifferent, stating “whatever” or no opinion.
The survey also probed attitudes toward the government’s investment approach. Officials emphasized that the project would not use the state budget but was expected to generate between 12,000 and 39,000 million baht annually in revenue for the country. Despite this, 84.15% of respondents who either opposed the complex or had no opinion still rejected both the entertainment complex and casino. Only 11.31% shifted to support an entertainment complex without a casino, and a mere 3.26% supported both the complex and casino under this investment framework.
Concerns about the potential for money laundering and the control of casino users remain significant. When asked about government measures to prevent these issues, 81.47% of the respondents maintained their opposition to both the entertainment complex and the casino. A smaller percentage—10.49%—supported an entertainment complex without a casino, while 6.18% agreed with both the complex and casino.
The draft bill includes provisions that any income generated from the entertainment complex would be allocated to support education funds, infrastructure investment, and assistance for vulnerable groups. Yet, even with these social benefits highlighted, 78.21% of respondents still opposed the entire project. Meanwhile, 14.10% approved of an entertainment complex without a casino, and 6.53% agreed with the full plan including the casino.
Looking ahead to the parliamentary session in early July 2025, the public’s expectations about the fate of the Entertainment Complex bill are mixed but lean toward skepticism. A plurality of 37.10% anticipates that Parliament will consider the bill but ultimately reject it in the first reading. Another 27.48% expect the bill’s consideration to be postponed, while 19.85% believe it will be passed in the first reading. Additionally, 7.40% foresee the possibility of the bill being withdrawn before any consideration, and 8.17% did not provide an opinion.
Interestingly, despite the broad opposition to the policy itself, 61.60% of respondents support the idea of holding a public referendum on the Entertainment Complex with a casino. This suggests that many Thais want a direct say on this contentious issue. Meanwhile, 30.08% oppose the referendum, and 7.94% remain undecided.
The survey results underscore the complicated public sentiment surrounding the government’s plan to develop a large-scale entertainment complex including gambling. While the government highlights potential economic benefits and social reinvestment from the project, the majority of the population remains unconvinced, wary of the social and ethical implications tied to gambling and casino operations.
These findings come at a critical juncture as Thailand debates the future of its entertainment and tourism sectors. The government’s push for investment without using public funds aims to stimulate economic growth, potentially generating significant revenue. However, the strong public opposition reflected in the NIDA poll poses a major political challenge ahead of the parliamentary session.
Many citizens appear to be drawing a clear line between entertainment and gambling, showing openness to entertainment complexes that exclude casinos. The concerns over money laundering, social harm, and the effectiveness of governmental controls remain paramount in the public’s mind. The call for a referendum further highlights the desire for democratic participation in deciding this issue.
As the parliamentary debate unfolds, lawmakers will need to balance economic ambitions with public sentiment and ethical considerations. The NIDA poll provides a vital snapshot of the Thai public’s views, signaling that any move forward on the Entertainment Complex bill must address these widespread concerns to gain broader acceptance.
Ultimately, the future of the Entertainment Complex policy in Thailand hinges not only on legislative decisions but also on how well the government can engage with and reassure its citizens about the social and economic impacts of such a development. The coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the path forward for this controversial proposal.
