Claw machine with snacks inside | Photo courtesy of @SeaworthinessNo929/reddit

 

On Saturday, May 17, police in Nakhon Si Thammarat seized several coin-operated claw machines, largely positioned around schools and tutoring centres, intensifying concerns over their influence on children and their classification as gambling devices under Thai law.

 

The operation, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Narakorn Ladchuay, acting Deputy Superintendent of Nakhon Si Thammarat City Police Station, was conducted in collaboration with district administrative officers. The sweep uncovered numerous claw machines strategically placed along pathways frequented by students en route to evening classes.

 

Parents had lodged complaints earlier, voicing concerns that the machines were draining students' lunch money and fostering addictive behaviour. During the raid, officials discovered many machines in areas behind schools and within suburban communities, most lacking any form of signage or permits. No individuals claimed ownership at the scene, leading to the devices being impounded and taken to the police station.

 

Under Thai law, claw machines are listed in Appendix B, item 24 of the Gambling Act B.E. 2478 (1935), marking them as gambling devices. Violators of this regulation face penalties of up to two years in prison, a fine of 2,000 baht, or both.

 

Additionally, authorities expressed concern about the toys contained within these machines, which often do not meet safety standards and may infringe copyright laws. This operation echoes broader efforts to regulate and mitigate the impact of gambling and associated activities around vulnerable populations like children.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-19

 

 

Yes, I was thinking along those lines while in Big-CX just the other day. Quite a few bits of 'space' now have a few of these stuck there.  They didn't seem to be getting a lot of use, but either they are legal or not!

Haha gambling... If they are going to apply that law for something like this, why don't they make it illegal to be out of your home? It is a bigger gamble on your life nowadays. 

Such a ridiculous reaction to parents complaints their child is spending their school lunch money for these machines. Once again Thailand shows an over reaction to a minor issue. These machines are far from addictive, they are also usually in a location that has game rooms. Kids will just go spend their lunch money in them instead. 

The real issue should be why the parents give their child the freedom to go to these places to spend money they should not have anyway without saving their lunch money to spend.

"Police in Nakhon Si Thammarat" === "Pattaya News" ???

I was shocked when I heard they moved NST to Pattaya. Shocked; I tell ya!

Seen these used and never seen anyone get anything. They are rigged to fail. 

Meanwhile on the roads another 40+ died while the police were busy with this crime.