File picture of Prasert Jantararuangtong.

 

Online football and Muay Thai gambling are expected to be legalised, according to Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong.

 

Prasert stated that a joint working group, comprising the DES Ministry, the Ministry of Interior, and the Office of the Council of State, has convened twice to discuss the matter but has yet to reach a final conclusion on the legalisation of online gambling.

 

He indicated that further discussions would take place, with a summary expected following the next meeting.

When questioned on what constitutes online gambling, Prasert noted that authorities are currently deliberating whether to implement a Royal Decree or a ministerial regulation. While the precise criteria are yet to be determined, he confirmed that online betting on football and Muay Thai would be included.

 

Regarding concerns raised by the Council of State, Prasert acknowledged that some definitions are still being clarified.

As for the timeline, he estimated that the issue would be presented to the Cabinet no later than March, though it could extend into April.
 

He reassured that work is progressing steadily, and once the fundamental principles are agreed upon, a draft subordinate law will be prepared. This draft will undergo several procedural stages, but Prasert expects its completion by April.

 

 

-- 2025-02-23

 

35 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

Online football and Muay Thai gambling are expected to be legalised

Just another way the rich get richer and poor get poorer.......

That could make a lot of cops, a bit light in the pockets,

at the end of the month.

Most Thais I know already gamble online - there are multiple Line Groups and betting is on things as diverse as Football scores and the closing numbers of various Bourses across the globe.  Its called Hanoi Lottery.   Most lose but I have had one friend win big (and bet big) only to be denied a payout when the Group closed.  

 

Don't kid yourself that this is not happening, unregulated, right now and that many Thais are becoming poorer for it. 

 

If it is legalised there may be some protection (for the winners who when they win big often find the site closed and no payout) and the Government might collect some revenue - but on the other hand legalising online gambling may make things more accessible and the problem worse - but hey which Thai doesn't already have Line?

 

This is a bit like pretending Prostitution doesn't occur in the Land of Smiles.

 

 

I know this already happens illegally and on more than Muay Thai and football.

This is just the first step in legalising full blown gambling in the long term.

On 2/23/2025 at 4:03 AM, Georgealbert said:

Online football and Muay Thai gambling are expected to be legalised, according to Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong

Does that mean taxes will be paid?

44 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Does that mean taxes will be paid?

The only reason the Government would consider legalisation is to take a slice of it in tax revenue.

 

I expect the illegal way will continue with those who don’t want to pay tax on their winnings or profits.

Thailand just LOVES laws that are overly-complicated: gambling being case in point. Gambling as a whole has never been illegal in Thailand, since one could gamble on horses and buy lottery tickets (basically gambling). Now they want to legalise gambling for two specific sports. But where is the logic in that - how is someone gambling on football more accepted than someone gambling on golf? Just make it legal across the board and use some of the tax revenue to set up support campaigns/institutes for those that suffer from addiction.

Loan sharks will be rubbing their hands at this !

Great news

On 2/23/2025 at 4:03 AM, Georgealbert said:

Online football and Muay Thai gambling are expected to be legalised,

 

Thailand:   "Hub of This Will End Well"