Future uncertain
Thailand’s grand plan to roll out integrated resort casinos by 2029 is looking increasingly uncertain after a survey revealed the public is against legislation.
According to reports on Monday, Thailand’s National Institute of Development Administration released results of the survey in which the majority voted against legalizing IRCs.
most of the 1,310 respondents opposed
The survey ran June 16-18 with most of the 1,310 respondents opposed to the push by Thailand’s ruling party under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to fast-track casinos by 2029.
The response in which 56.7% voted against IRCs with only 24% expressing support, represents a massive setback for would-be casino investors and Paetongtarn’s Pheu Thai Party already reeling from a gambling-related political scandal.
Rising tensions threaten IRCs
The survey results come at a time the Paetongtarn administration is dealing with a political crisis that could spell trouble for the current government that came to power in August 2024 after Paetongtarn’s predecessor Srettha Thavisin was forced out of office.
Paetongtarn drew national condemnation recently after leaked phone calls between her and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. The Thai PM allegedly called Hun Sen “father” and referred to her country’s military as the “enemy” in Cambodia.
Last week, Thai cyber police uncovered a massive money laundering operation in Cambodia linked to online gambling, scam centers in Southeast Asia allegedly linked to the Hun Sen family, which includes the current senate president and his son, Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Paetongtarn has since apologized to Thais after the public’s anger over the leaked calls, which has also led to Pheu Thai’s largest co-government rulers, the Bhumjaithai party, from exiting the ruling coalition.
This exit amid wider political tensions poses challenges for multiple government policies, including the bill to legalize casinos.
What next?
The political instability in a country well-versed in military coups will likely pour cold water on Thailand IRC investor confidence from the likes of MGM Resorts International and Wynn Resorts.
A national referendum for IRCs could, however, be in the cards after the survey revealed 61.60% of respondents supported the move.
