Thai government bets big on crackdown against online gambling

The Thai government has taken decisive action against online gambling platforms, recognizing them as significant economic offenses. Deputy Government spokesperson Kanika Aunjit made this announcement on March 31, emphasizing the government’s dedication to investigating, suspending, restricting, and blocking these websites nationwide.

Kanika highlighted Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s acknowledgment of the issues associated with online gambling.

The 62-year-old Thai prime minister identified these economic offenses as threats not only to the economy but also to society, particularly due to issues such as identity theft and easy accessibility for the youth.

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) in Thailand has been actively combating cybercrimes related to online gambling. Between October 1, 2023, and March 5 of this year, the DES successfully suspended over 60,681 instances of inappropriate content on these platforms and blocked more than 25,571 websites associated with online gambling.

According to the Gambling Act, organizers of gambling operations could face severe penalties, including imprisonment ranging from one to ten years and fines ranging from 20,000 to 200,000 baht, or both, in certain cases.

The law also imposes strict penalties on individuals who lure others into gambling activities, with penalties of up to two years in prison and fines of 2,000 baht, or both.

Kanika urged Thai citizens not to succumb to the temptation of quick profits from online gambling websites or misleading investment advertisements.

The government’s objective is to shield its citizens from the adverse effects of such activities, which can have far-reaching consequences for individuals and the Thai economy.

As the crackdown on online gambling continues, it underscores the Thai government’s unwavering commitment to combating these economic offenses. The extensive investigations and blocking of thousands of online gambling platforms illustrate the government’s determination to safeguard the integrity of the Thai economy and society, as reported by Pattaya News.

Kanika’s statement serves as a firm reminder of the government’s opposition to online gambling and as a warning to those involved in such activities. The government remains resolute in prosecuting those found guilty.

“The Thai government has cautioned Thai citizens against the lure of profits from online gambling websites or exaggerated investment advertisements.”

The Thai government’s campaign against online gambling underscores its dedication to protecting not only the economy but also society from the harmful effects of such activities.