Bangkok: The Ministry of Interior is set to propose significant amendments to the Gambling Act to the Cabinet on February 25th, with the aim of tightening control over illegal gambling activities and supporting the legalization of online gambling. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized that these amendments align with the government's policy and aim to address any perceived conflicts within the coalition parties.
According to Thai News Agency, the proposed amendments will increase the severity of punishments for illegal gambling, while legalizing online gambling. Anutin explained that the logic behind this approach is to ensure stricter regulation of gambling activities, where legal gamblers can be tracked, and appropriate fees can be imposed. The current penalties for illegal gambling are viewed as insufficient, as offenders often pay fines and resume their activities. The amendments intend to impose harsher penalties on illegal gamblers and operators, while facilitating legal gambling through a permission-based system.
Anutin elaborated that the legalization of online gambling would include activities such as football and boxing betting under a revised ministerial regulation for Type B gambling. He noted that while additional legal changes would be needed for further expansion, the government possesses the necessary support to enact these amendments. The focus remains on establishing order and implementing stringent penalties for illegal activities before proceeding with broader legalization efforts.
The Deputy Prime Minister clarified that any new regulations for Category B gambling will require Cabinet approval and emphasized that the initiative aligns with the overall government policy, necessitating the Prime Minister's consent. Anutin reiterated that the Ministry of Interior is acting in accordance with government directives and is committed to preventing illegal gambling activities through regulated and controlled legal alternatives.
When questioned about the timeline for submitting the ministerial regulation amendments for Cabinet review, Anutin indicated that discussions are underway with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society. He assured that the Ministry of Interior has already contributed its insights and is collaborating effectively with other stakeholders to advance the proposal.