Despite the buoyant efforts of the Government, trepidation seemingly lingers in Thailand over the legislation of land-based gambling.
The latest data from the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) found that 57% of respondents they spoke to were against entertainment centres and casinos.
In spite of there still being tentative attitudes towards the legislation of gambling, opposition is falling, with it previously being recorded at 59%.
Resorts doubling as entertainment venues rather than just focusing on being gambling hubs is seemingly a major strategy when it comes to enabling them to integrate within Thai culture.
Recently, it was put forward by one of the major subcommittees examining the bill, pursuing the need for a referendum.
There is general public support for a referendum, with 61% of respondents backing the calls for a referendum.
Governmental fears
There has also been trepidation around turbulence within the Government impacting the bill’s progress.
Significantly, Thailand’s Bhumjaithai Party, the second biggest party in the country’s coalition Government, pulled back on its support for the progress of the bill.
This has come amidst controversy surrounding a phone leak between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodia’s former Premier Hun Sen, involving Thailand’s escalating border dispute with Cambodia.
In the call, Shinawatra is said to have criticised the Thai army for its role in a clash with Cambodian troops that triggered the ongoing hostilities.
Although Shinawatra provided a defence for the conversation, claiming her comments were part of a strategy to ease border tensions, the Bhumjaithai Party say that her actions have “damaged the sovereignty and well-being of the country and the Thai Army”.So far, both sides have implemented trade barriers, and earlier this week, Thailand placed a ban on its citizens entering Cambodia to work in casinos across the city of Poipet.
