Most Thais oppose the government's proposal to legalize casinos and online gambling, citing concerns despite the government's argument that it would boost tourism and investment. A recent poll revealed significant public disapproval of the plan.
Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra attends a press conference at the Pheu Thai party headquarters following a royal endorsement ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand, Aug 18, 2024.BANGKOK — Most Thais oppose the government's plan to legalise casinos and online gambling, moves the authorities say would boost tourism and investment, an opinion survey found on Sunday .
The government this month approved a draft law to allow casinos in entertainment complexes and gambling online. The only legal gambling in Thailand is at state-controlled horse races and a lottery, but football betting and underground gambling and lotteries are rife, with vast sums of money changing hands.
In the poll by the National Institute of Development Administration, 69 per cent of respondents opposed online gambling and 59 per cent disagreed with both entertainment complexes and casinos, while 29 per cent favoured both.Neighbours, Cambodia, Singapore, the Philippines, Laos and Myanmar have large casino complexes. Thailand's government argues the nation is turning its back on revenue and not reaching its tourism potential.
A key advocate of legalised gambling has been Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's father, billionaire former premier Thaksin Shinawatra. He said this month the legalisation could net the government as much as 100 billion baht a year.
GAMBLING CASINOS THAILAND PUBLIC OPINION TOURISM
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