According to an opinion survey, it was found that most Thais disapproved of the government’s plan to allow investments in online gambling and casinos and legalize these platforms as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra assures its citizens that the initiative will bring economic benefits by boosting investment and tourism in the country.
This article will explore the key findings of an earlier poll of 1,310 people and the implications of public opposition to Thai casino plans.
Key Findings of the Poll
A poll was conducted on by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) on 20th and 21st Jan 2025, which revealed that 69% of the respondents disagreed with online gambling while 59% disapproved both casinos and entertainment complex investments.
The poll was conducted on 1,310 citizens, of which only 29% agreed with both large venues and casinos. The respondents were aged 18 years and above, and the poll had a margin of error of 3%, according to NIDA.
Neighboring countries such as Myanmar, Laos, the Philippines, Singapore, and Cambodia have huge casino complexes, which have made the government argue that the country is losing its revenue by not giving importance to this sector and therefore, the economy is failing to reach its highest potential.
The key reasons for public opposition are many and as the government pushes ahead with this initiative, the opposition seems to be rising among Thais. Challenges like addiction risks, societal impact, and moral concerns are some of the key reasons why people are opposed to the idea of legalizing Online Casinos in Thailand.
Implications of Public Opposition to Thai Casino Plans
Last week, a Thai group attended the provincial election campaign in Si Sa Ket, parading banners that said that online gambling and casinos will harm future generations. However, in response to the rally, PM Paetongtarn said that the entertainment complexes and online gambling platforms will be the “new man-made tourist destination” of the country, which will help generate more income and create jobs, thereby boosting economic growth.
She also mentioned that the negative sentiments coming from the Thais were completely understandable and the authorities will address every public concern.
Social concerns put forward by the critics included the potential for gambling addiction and increased crime rates that would be taken care of by Thailand’s Cabinet.
Earlier this month, the Cabinet approved a Bill to legalize casinos that the government pitched as a key step to spur the nation’s tourism and manage rampant illegal gambling in the country.
According to the Bill, propositions were also made to house casinos within large entertainment venues, such as amusement parks, convention centers, and hotels. Through these initiatives, there is great potential for Thailand to become a major player in the global iGaming industry if these platforms become operational within the next six years.h
Balancing Economic Benefits with Public Concerns
The above findings related to the approval or disapproval of online casinos and online gambling in Thailand highlight significant public concerns over the economic and social implications of the proposals.
Despite the arguments supporting casinos and online gambling in favor of job creation, potential economic gains, increased tourism revenue, and tax revenue, possibly reaching figures in millions or billions of Thai Baht, the potential risks associated with moral objections and gambling addiction weigh heavily among the public.
These surveys do not take into consideration the complex dynamics that the Thai authorities need to navigate while pursuing the proposals. Considering the polarized opinions, there is certainly they need for policymakers to aim at stricter regulations, limited licensing, and public education campaigns to achieve a balance between economic benefits and the social well-being of Thai citizens.
