Pictures courtesy of Daily News.

 

Provincial authorities in Surat Thani have seized over 50 claw machines from two locations, including a major shopping centre, after receiving complaints that the machines were enticing minors and the public into illegal gambling.

 

Governor Teerut Supawiboonpol ordered a joint operation involving local administrative officers and police from Muang Surat Thani Police Station to inspect and confiscate the machines. Two locations were targeted, a roadside store in Makhamtia subdistrict, where 15 machines containing 1,018 stuffed toys were seized and a shopping centre where 36 machines with 646 toys were confiscated.

 

Governor Teerut explained that such machines fall under the Gambling Act B.E. 2478 (Section 4, Appendix B, No. 28), as users risk receiving or not receiving a prize, effectively making it a game of chance between the player and the operator. Operating these machines without permission also violates Section 12(2) of the Act, punishable by fines or imprisonment.

 

All confiscated items have been handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings. The operation underscores authorities’ commitment to curbing illegal gambling and protecting minors from exposure to such activities.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-09-06

 

 

 

That's not gambling but agility.

But get that across to the Thai.

These things are cropping up everywhere. Loads of 'em.

I suggest they use an upscaled one of these for choosing the next prime minister - put all the candidates in opaque giant plastic spheres and then have a suitable person (Prayuth?) operate the claw.