Report Nakhon Si Thammarat Police Crack Down on Claw Machines Near Schools

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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