BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced plans to bring online gambling under government regulation. The initiative includes drafting new legislation and establishing a National Gambling Commission to manage oversight and enforcement.
The Ministry of Interior, under Anutin’s leadership, is collaborating with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, led by Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Chantraruangthong, to address online gambling issues within two months. While the Ministry of Digital Economy focuses on digital platforms, the Ministry of Interior is drafting provisions on gambling classifications and permissions.
Minister Anutin emphasized transitioning underground gambling into a regulated industry to mitigate societal harms such as financial exploitation and criminal activity. The proposed regulations include safeguards for identifying individuals at risk of addiction or debt, with mechanisms for intervention and monitoring participants.
Operators engaging in illegal activities would face severe penalties, including asset seizure and prosecution. Recreational gambling among individuals, such as friendly wagers, would not fall under these regulations. Licensed operators would be required to demonstrate strong financial stability to ensure accountability and prevent fraud.
The proposed framework envisions a central National Gambling Commission to oversee operations and enforce strict compliance. While existing regulations provide a foundation for initial oversight, comprehensive governance requires additional legislation, currently being drafted by the Ministry of Interior.
The new laws will need parliamentary approval, with the method of enactment—whether by Royal Decree or formal legislation—still to be determined. The government aims to establish a robust legal framework to regulate the growing online gambling industry effectively. (NNT)
