Thailand proposes online gambling legalisation

Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin has tabled a proposal to the Thai government calling for the legalisation of internet gambling in the hopes of increasing state revenue. This proposal has garnered many criticisms as many fear that it will be next to impossible for regulators and police to deter and prevent numerous societal issues as a result.

Gambling in Thailand

Thailand currently outlaws most gambling in a particularly stringent fashion. Under the Gambling Act of 1935, the numerous restrictions include a ban on private ownership of more than 120 playing cards.  All forms of betting are also banned with the only exceptions being the national lottery and horseracing.

The proposal

In addition to his proposal, the Deputy Prime Minister also believes that legalisation should extend to other forms of gambling as well, including sports betting. He has claimed that the current tax regime has yielded such poor results that the gambling tax supports neither the state nor the general population.  Under Thepsutin’s proposal, state revenue is predicted to grow significantly. He has also suggested that tax would grow even further if gambling activities such as bull and cock fighting were licenced by the Interior Ministry. The sums have not been projected in a great deal but the Deputy Prime Minister believes this involves large sums that upon collection may be utilised to assist individuals with disabilities, the elderly and the impoverished.

Pushback

There have been many significant criticisms levelled at Thespsutin’s proposal with many shedding light on numerous societal issues that could be spawned or perpetuated by the legalisation of any gambling within Thai borders. 

Protecting minors

Visanu Vongsinsirikul, an economics professor, has stated that the internet brings together all forms of gambling the abundance of platforms and methods to gamble are comprehensive. He stated on the issue that if adults are so susceptible to becoming addicted then “the issue is how to protect children and adolescents from online gambling.” He continued:

“The issue is distinct from that of legalising casinos. Because the online platform brings together all types of gambling and people can always bet, it is difficult to manage or limit the number of players.  It will not only lead to people becoming more addicted to gambling but it is also associated with other issues such as money laundering and credit card forgery.”

He also expressed concerns regarding the lack of possible regulations for underage individuals being able to gamble online without any authorities capable of preventing such activities. 

Societal issues

Nonarit Bisonyabut, a senior research fellow at the Thailand Development Research Institute has stated unequivocally “Legalising gambling is not a solution, and social issues will not go away.” He expressed that societal issues based on gambling cannot be avoided due to the nation’s inability to limit the scale of gambling activity in Thailand.  A smaller scale legalisation limited in cash amount and frequency would be ideal, however, according to Bisonyabut:

“This is not applicable in Thailand because many Thais are willing to gamble on anything. A comprehensive effort against large-scale gambling is required.”

Betflix

This proposal also comes in lieu of another systematic issue involving the central Thai police.  On September 25th, cybercrime police were prompted to raid 30 locations across six provinces in connection with reports that eight police officers were involved in online gambling activities.  Among those raided were five houses occupied by the deputy national police chief Surachate Hakparn. All houses were raided in lieu of allegations towards an online gambling network known “Betflix”.

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