A recent survey from the National Institute of Development Administration’s (NIDA) “Nida Poll” reveals widespread public skepticism and political tension surrounding Thailand’s proposed Entertainment Complex Business Act, particularly regarding the inclusion of casino facilities.
The poll, conducted among 1,310 Thai adults nationwide between April 21st-23rd, 2025, highlights growing friction between coalition partners Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai parties that could potentially destabilize the government.
According to the local media outlet Money and Banking, the survey reveals a striking level of public disengagement with the entire proposal, with nearly half of respondents (45.73 percent) expressing no interest whatsoever in either the entertainment complex or casino aspects of the development. This overwhelming apathy presents a significant challenge for proponents of the legislation.
Among those who did express interest, 27.24 percent gave equal importance to both entertainment venues and casinos, while 19.47 percent placed greater emphasis on the broader entertainment complex aspects. Only 7.56 percent focused primarily on the casino element, suggesting that framing the project primarily around gambling facilities may limit public support.
Legislative prospects appear dim
When asked about the bill’s chances of passing without casino provisions, 46.18 percent of respondents predicted failure in the House of Representatives. This pessimistic outlook was countered by 32.67 percent who believed it could still pass, while 19.01 percent considered it impossible to even propose such legislation without including casinos – highlighting how intertwined the gaming element has become with the broader entertainment complex concept.
Bhumjaithai Party’s anti-casino stance creates political tension
The survey particularly focused on reactions to Bhumjaithai Party Secretary-General Chaichanok Chidchob’s firm declaration that “he will never agree with casinos.” This strong stance from a key coalition member has created significant political ripples.
While 35.80 percent of respondents viewed Chidchob’s position as “the right decision,” a substantial 29.08 percent interpreted it as a calculated political negotiation tactic by the Bhumjaithai Party. Another 27.63 percent considered it merely a personal decision unrelated to the party’s official position.
Coalition stability at risk
The poll results suggest serious concerns about the government’s stability over this issue. Approximately 20.38 percent believe the Pheu Thai Party will ultimately find ways to push through the entertainment venue with casino inclusion despite opposition. Meanwhile, 17.40 percent think the entertainment complexes with casinos are unlikely to materialize under current political conditions.
More worryingly for coalition stability, 16.26 percent interpret Chidchob’s statement as signaling broader Bhumjaithai Party opposition to casino development, while 13.59 percent expect Bhumjaithai to eventually concede to Pheu Thai’s position after negotiations.
The most concerning scenarios for government stability include:
- 10.84 percent anticipating potential internal fracturing within the Bhumjaithai Party itself
- 9.39 percent seeing the casino issue as a possible breaking point for the entire coalition
- 6.72 percent predicting Bhumjaithai’s potential removal from the coalition government
Only 4.50 percent believe Pheu Thai will ultimately yield to Bhumjaithai’s anti-casino position, highlighting the perception that the senior coalition partner remains firmly committed to including casino facilities in the entertainment complex development.
