Thailand's Online Gambling Legalisation Sparks Controversy

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FILE photo courtesy: ChandigarhMetro

 

In a move stirring public debate, Thailand's government has made a controversial decision to legalise online gambling, sparking concerns over potential societal impacts. Former senator Wallop Tangkhananurak has questioned the motivations behind this decision, airing doubts about the government’s transparency.

 

The initiative came to light not through official channels, but via an announcement by Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong earlier this week. He assured that legal frameworks would be adjusted promptly to decriminalise online gambling, indicating it's a priority for the government. Prasert has also promised swift action, stressing the economic benefits expected to follow.

 

Yet, the absence of this issue from the cabinet’s official resolutions, as revealed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has raised eyebrows. Wallop suspects underlying motives and hastened efforts, particularly since the announcement coincides with a recent campaign trail statement by Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister and current political influencer.

 

Wallop has been vocal about his fears of grave consequences for Thai society. He argues that legalised gambling could erode traditional values and negatively influence the youth’s mindset, leading to shifts in cultural attitudes toward gambling. 

“These measures demonstrate a government willing to compromise on moral standards for financial gain,” Wallop stated, condemning what he perceives as hypocrisy, given Prasert's previous stance on cracking down illegal gambling rings. He cautioned that this shift could create long-term societal issues, painting a grim picture of future generations plagued by vices.

 

Wallop challenges Prime Minister Paetongtarn, a mother herself, to reconsider the ethical implications of such a decision. "Is she prepared to craft a society where moral decay defines the youth's legacy?" he questions, underscoring his stance as an advocate for maintaining ethical integrity in governance.

 

As these developments unfold, they shed light on the broader economic strategy and political dynamics at play in Thailand. Critics argue that the economic gains from a legalised online gambling market, potentially amounting to billions of Thai Baht, could be overshadowed by societal costs, reported Thai PBS.

 

As this polarising issue takes centre stage, it reveals the complex balancing act between economic ambition and cultural preservation in modern Thailand.

 

-- 2025-01-17

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

Make legal gambling available to the masses.

What could possibly go wrong.

[Gottfrid]

Regarding this, I would say that online gambling would offer a more safe gambling environment than land based casinos in Thailand. Moreover, millions are already gambling online despite it´s illegal. The damage is already there, and will not grow bigger just because it´s legal or not. According to me, a gambling license issued in the Philippines by PAGCOR, will be much more controlled and regulated, than a new gambling law in Thailand.

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

Make legal gambling available to the masses.

What could possibly go wrong.

Sharks will be circling...