A recent opinion poll found that 46.18% of respondents believe the controversial entertainment complex bill, even without the casino element, is unlikely to pass in the Lower House.
Meanwhile, 45.73% said they are not interested in the entertainment complex project at all, according to the findings from the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) poll.
The NIDA survey collected the opinions of 1,310 people aged 18 and over, from various occupations and educational backgrounds across the country, between April 21st and 23rd. The poll focused on the topic: “Casino: the Breaking Point between Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai parties.”
Although most respondents believe the entertainment complex bill will not be passed by the Lower House, 32.57% think it will at least pass its first reading. In contrast, 19.01% believe the bill will not even be submitted to parliament.
When asked about their interest in the project, 27.24% said they are following reports about both the entertainment complex and the casino.
Another 19.47% reported interest only in the entertainment complex itself, while 7.56% admitted they are concerned solely with the casino aspect.
Following the statement by Bhumjaithai party secretary-general Chaichanok Chidchob in parliament—that he would never support the casino project—the poll found that 35% of respondents agree this is the right decision for the party.
However, 29.08% believe his remark is merely a political bargaining tactic. Another 27.63% view the statement as a personal opinion that does not necessarily reflect the party’s official stance, and 22.44% believe that Chaichanok will eventually have to comply with the party’s resolution.
Some 16.26% think Chaichanok’s comment was meant to signal to Pheu Thai that the Bhumjaithai party does not support the casino proposal.
Meanwhile, 13.59% believe Pheu Thai will ultimately yield to Bhumjaithai’s position.
As for the future of the bill, 20.38% of respondents believe the Pheu Thai party will push it through the Lower House. Additionally, 10.84% think the dispute could lead to a break in the relationship between the two parties, while 6.72% believe Bhumjaithai may be removed from the coalition government.
