Picture courtesy of The Phuket News

 

Phuket authorities have shut down dozens of unlicensed claw machines in Thalang district as part of a major clampdown on gambling-style games. Between September 6 and 9, officials inspected various public venues, finding around 50 illegal machines, including some at Robinson Lifestyle Thalang mall. Operators have been given 15 days to remove the machines or face legal action.

 

The crackdown follows orders from the Ministry of Interior issued on September 2, enforcing the Gambling Act 1935. According to the Act, claw machines are considered gambling devices due to their win-lose nature, making them illegal without a license. People operating these machines could face severe penalties, including up to two years in prison or fines of 2,000 baht per machine.

 

The action has sparked reactions from both authorities and the public. Venue managers were fined 2,000 baht per machine found, while authorities warned venue owners of potential legal consequences if they continue hosting the devices. This move is part of a broader effort to curb activities that promote gambling under the guise of entertainment.

 

Looking forward, the Ministry of Interior has banned the issuance of new licenses for claw machines, effectively prohibiting them across the country. Local officials have been instructed to enforce this measure nationwide. The crackdown addresses concerns from parents and community members who argue that such machines encourage gambling, especially among children.

 

Key Takeaways

• Phuket authorities deactivate 50 illegal claw machines in Thalang.
• Strict penalties await operators who defy the crackdown.
• Nationwide ban on new licenses for claw machines is now in effect.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-09-12

 

 

Who even plays on this garbage? The tiny 7/11 near me has installed about 8 of these junk heaps - outside, as they are too big to fit in the shop. They are full of all the type of junk we used to get at fairgrounds 30 years ago - Now they are charging 200 or 300 Baht here for a piece if fluffy toy junk - They might do better to stick a few wraps in the machine instead.

I really detest these machines.  They are aimed directly at young children.  They should be made illegal.

I have no idea what a 'claw machine' is and have never seen one to my knowledge. 

 

Can't understand how I've reached age 76 in such a state of ignorance.

21 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

shut down dozens of unlicensed claw machines

 Reminded me of the Dad's Army episode "Menace from the deep" (UK TV Comedy) when the platoon got stuck on a pier without food. They tried using the claw machine to get at some chocolate bars - which turned out to be made from cardboard!

 

 

12 minutes ago, mfd101 said:

I have no idea what a 'claw machine' is and have never seen one to my knowledge. 

 

Can't understand how I've reached age 76 in such a state of ignorance.

It is hard to believe I agree but congratulations that have not encounted a "claw machine'

If they say it's "chance hence gambling"  WTF is the lottery? Same principle - pay money, might win might not 

15 hours ago, mfd101 said:

Can't understand how I've reached age 76 in such a state of ignorance.

 

Congrats, sir.

15 hours ago, phil2407 said:

If they say it's "chance hence gambling"  WTF is the lottery? Same principle - pay money, might win might not 

 

Lotteries are widely accepted all over the world, even where gambling is banned, because they're run by the gub'ment and part of the proceeds go into the gub'ment coffers. 

 

And for the pedantics who will correct me, yes.  Sometimes they're run by an outside organization contracted by the gub'ment.  The salient point is that they pour money into the gub'ment coffers.  That makes them okay no matter how evil they are preying on the players.

19 hours ago, Formaleins said:

Who even plays on this garbage? The tiny 7/11 near me has installed about 8 of these junk heaps - outside, as they are too big to fit in the shop. They are full of all the type of junk we used to get at fairgrounds 30 years ago - Now they are charging 200 or 300 Baht here for a piece if fluffy toy junk - They might do better to stick a few wraps in the machine instead.

I know a guy in NZ who made a fortune out of these machines but he told me it's rarely that a kid or parent wins anything, they are con machines full of crap