According to the Bangkok Post, a recent Nida poll shows that the casino element is crucial for the advancement of the Entertainment Complex Act in Thailand. The survey results indicate that nearly half of the respondents believe that if the casino part is removed, the bill is unlikely to pass in Parliament.
The survey was conducted from April 21 to 23, gathering opinions from 1310 individuals aged 18 and above, from various professions. Previously, due to strong public opposition, the government had announced a postponement of the debate on the Entertainment Complex Act in Parliament.
Specifically, 46% of respondents believe that without the casino content, the bill will not pass; 33% think that the bill still has a chance of success even without the casino element. Additionally, 19% explicitly oppose the removal of the casino part, and 2% did not express an opinion.
The controversy intensified after Chaichanok Chidchob, the secretary-general of the Thai People's Party, publicly opposed the legalization of casinos. Regarding his stance, 35.8% of respondents support him, 28% consider it a personal opinion, and 22% think he reflects some public opinion but will ultimately conform to the party's position.
Furthermore, 29% of respondents view Chaichanok's remarks as a political strategy to consolidate the Thai People's Party's position within the ruling coalition. Despite the complex situation, 20% still believe that the ruling Palang Pracharath Party is capable of pushing the bill through, but 17% are pessimistic about its chances of success.
The poll also reflects concerns about the stability of the ruling coalition: 9% of respondents think that the Thai People's Party might exit the coalition, and 10.84% believe that internal conflicts within the party are intensifying. A minority of respondents worry that the party might lose power or that opposing the Entertainment Complex Act could be seen as a political miscalculation.
The debate surrounding the Entertainment Complex Act continues, and the political situation in Thailand is becoming increasingly delicate and complex.
