Gambling
Gambling news in Thailand, including legal status, underground operations, and policy changes.
- Business News
How the new Entertainment Complex Law is likely to affect you once passed
Thailand is on the brink of a significant transformation in its entertainment and tourism sectors with the introduction of the Entertainment Complex Business Act. This proposed legislation aims to legalise and regulate integrated entertainment complexes, including casinos such as those that regard themselves as the best casinos not on GamStop, to boost tourism, attract foreign investment, and stimulate economic growth.…
- Bangkok News
Fortune turns sour: Fengshui master’s gambling scandal exposed
Royal Thai Police (RTP) rounded up an unlucky 13 alleged masterminds behind a lucrative gambling website, reportedly raking in a staggering 1.6 billion baht annually. Assets amounting to 20 million baht have been seized in connection with the arrested gang. The case unravels the tangled web of 43 year old fengshui guru Thanawan Jiracharoenwes, infamously known as “Tili.” The smooth…
- Thailand News
Thai casino entry rule demands 50 million baht deposit for citizens
Thai nationals wishing to enter the proposed casino-entertainment complex must have held at least 50 million baht in a fixed deposit account for a minimum of six months, according to a government source. This stipulation is part of Section 65 of the Entertainment Complex Bill, which has been examined by the Council of State and will be reviewed by the…
- Thailand News
Wife killed and husband injured after gambling debts dispute
A domestic dispute over gambling debts led to a fatal stabbing in Khlong Wan subdistrict, Mueang district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Yesterday, February 25, a husband and wife quarrel escalated, resulting in the wife’s death and the husband’s severe injury. Upon arriving at the scene, a sombre atmosphere prevailed as locals and relatives gathered to prepare for the deceased’s funeral. The…
- Thailand News
Maid to misbehave: Cleaner caught red-handed in CCTV sting
In a crooked web of betrayal within the private confines of a family home, a Thai housemaid was arrested by police after her secret life of crime was laid bare by unforgiving lens of CCTV. Naphonthip “Kan” a 46 year old housemaid from Phitsanulok, faces charges of theft after swiping a fortune in gold and jewellery from her employer to…
- Bangkok News
Live casino streaming in Thailand in 2025: How providers are battling for market share
Thailand’s live casino streaming scene is really taking off in 2025. This is all thanks to some recent changes in the rules, as well as a growing appetite for online gambling. The big players in the industry are battling it out for the top spot using tactics like new technology, content tailored to local tastes, and major marketing pushes. This…
- Crime News
Thai app Jagat banned for illegal gambling activities
The Jagat application has been deemed illegal by the Department of Provincial Administration, as it falls under gambling activities. Yesterday, February 1, Police Lieutenant General Trirong Phiwphan, Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), announced that the Bureau is coordinating with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) to block the app. Previously, Jagat gained popularity for enabling…
- Thailand News
Thailand denies mistreatment of jailed Chinese gambling tycoon
Thailand has refuted allegations of mistreatment against She Zhijiang, a jailed gambling tycoon facing extradition to China over charges of running illegal online gambling operations in Southeast Asia, said Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong. She, a Chinese Cambodian businessman, has claimed he experienced inhumane treatment in a Thai prison, including violence that has rendered him unable to stand. This claim was…
- Thailand News
Majority oppose casino-entertainment complex and online gambling legalisation
A significant majority of people have expressed opposition to the government’s proposal for a casino-entertainment complex and the legalisation of online gambling, as revealed by a survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration. The Nida Poll gathered responses through telephone interviews from January 20 to January 21 from 1,310 individuals over the age of 18, representing diverse educational…
- Thailand News
Thailand greenlights legal casinos to boost tourism and economy
In a game-changing move, the Thai Cabinet has given the nod to a draft bill that would legalise gambling and casinos, aiming to turbocharge tourism, job creation, and investment. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced the bold move today, January 13, heralding a new era for the country’s economy. Under the government’s ambitious plan, the legislation, soon to be debated in…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya poker face-off: Cops bust beachside card game
A clandestine poker game involving foreigners and Thai nationals in Pattaya was busted by police in a dramatic raid near Jomtien Beach. The illegal gambling operation, disguised as a beer bar, was exposed on Monday, January 6, after officers acted on a tip-off. Officers from the Chon Buri Immigration Police, led by Police Colonel Napassapong Kositsuriyamani, uncovered seven foreigners, including…
- Thailand News
Deputy PM rolls dice on Thaksin’s bold online gambling bet
Prasert Chantrawongthong, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, has weighed in on ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s bold proposal to legalise online gambling. The 74 year old former prime minister recently sparked controversy by suggesting that bringing online betting into the open could help tackle the widespread social issues associated with the industry. Known to be…
- Thailand News
Pheu Thai members defend card photo as fortune telling, not gambling
A group of Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) members from the Pheu Thai Party denied allegations of gambling after a photograph of them playing cards was circulated on social media. One of the BMC members claimed they were reading cards for fortune telling, not gambling. The Facebook page ชมรมSTRONGต้านทุจริต ประเทศไทย (translated as “Strong Anti-Corruption Club Thailand”) shared an image on Tuesday,…
- Crime News
Thailand investigates ex-police chiefs over gambling corruption
Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has decided to investigate Torsak “Big Tor” Sukvimol, a former national police chief, over allegations of soliciting money from online gambling networks. Additionally, the NACC will gather more evidence regarding money laundering accusations against Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, a former deputy police chief. The NACC, represented by its Secretary General Saroj Puengrampan, announced that the…
- Crime News
Police in Bangkok arrest suspect, seize firearms in gambling case
Police in Nonthaburi apprehended a suspect linked to a notorious gambling website, seizing a cache of firearms and ammunition in the process. The arrest underscores ongoing efforts to bring the site’s elusive owner to justice, following a violent incident involving the website’s admin. Police moved swiftly to arrest 22 year old Natthaphong Kosasaeng, at a car park in Royal Mansion,…
- Thailand News
Oh, cock! Police arrest nearly 50 major cockfighting raid
Police in Nakhon Phanom arrested nearly 50 people involved in illegal cockfighting, following a tip-off about a large gathering of gamblers in a rural area. The operation, carried out by a team of over 30 officers, highlighted ongoing illegal gambling activities in the region. Officers swiftly moved to take action after receiving a complaint via the Damrongdhama Centre regarding an…
- Thailand News
Thailand reviews N3 lottery’s impact on underground gambling
The Government of Thailand is reviewing the effectiveness of its three-digit lottery ticket, known as N3, to determine if it can counteract the prevalence of underground lotteries. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat revealed that the Government Lottery Office (GLO) is currently conducting a trial of N3 tickets through a sandbox system, with two rounds already underway. However, the trial has…
- Thailand News
Gambling addict arrested for cash theft after disguising as monk
A young man addicted to gambling has been apprehended after stealing his relative’s ATM card and withdrawing nearly 500,000 baht until the account was empty. He used the money for gambling and later fled to become a monk, hoping for forgiveness. However, the relative reported the theft to the police, leading to his arrest yesterday, November 15. Phakphon Suchon, Head…
- Thailand News
Tourism and gambling: The influence of Thai and Australian casinos on global travel
Tourism plays a major role in countries like Thailand and Australia. Admittedly, it’s more significant for the former, but the latter has been able to benefit in the past from the amount of foreign travel to the country that has been experienced. According to a report by Reuters, Thailand broke its record for tourism numbers and revenues in 2019. That…
- Thailand News
Gambling software in Thailand: Exploring innovation and opportunity
Thailand’s gambling landscape is one of contrasts. On the one hand, gambling is strictly prohibited under Thai law, with exceptions made only for the national lottery and certain horse racing events. On the other hand, gambling is widespread, particularly in underground black-market venues. Many Thais continue to place bets illegally in person, often in makeshift casinos or through informal networks.…
- Thailand News
Bets off: Jilted Thai man gambles on lawsuit after wedding deception
A Thai man is taking legal action against his ex-girlfriend, who tricked him into transferring 500,000 baht to fund her gambling, claiming the money was for their dream wedding. The victim, 38 year old Jaruwat, filed a complaint against his ex-girlfriend at the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB)‘s complaint centre today, October 3. Jaruwat said he was the victim of a…
- Crime News
Lotto a trouble: Woman caught betting big on Facebook
Police apprehended a young woman for posting advertisements for Lao lottery sales on Facebook, with bets reaching 30,000 baht per draw. She forwarded these bets to a major bookie, earning a 20% commission over the past six months. Yesterday, October 2, police officials, led by Phumiphat Phattharasriwongchai, Bancha Srisuk, and Thapakorn Hanumart, executed a search warrant at a residence in…
- Thailand News
High stakes: Police spin wheel of justice at Chon Buri gambling den
Police raided a luxury resort in the Na Jomtien area of Chon Buri at the weekend uncovering a gambling operation and arresting 15 Thai gamblers at the scene. Officers from the Provincial Investigation Police Region 2 raided the luxury resort on Saturday, September 28, in the Sattahip district of Chon Buri and found 15 gamblers playing a popular Thai card…
- Thailand News
Pheu Thai Party bets on casino plan to cash in on tax revenue
The ruling Pheu Thai Party defended its proposed casino-entertainment complex project, asserting that it will legalise underground gambling activities and enable the government to collect tax revenue. A statement on Pheu Thai’s webpage released yesterday, September 22, indicated that legalising underground gambling and taxing the project could contribute more than 50% of GDP, thereby boosting the economy and funding education…
- Politics News
Thailand’s entertainment bill faces opposition over complex plan
The Government of Thailand’s proposed entertainment complex bill has faced significant opposition from both the coalition Bhumjaithai and the opposition Democrat parties, with critics arguing that the potential drawbacks outweigh the benefits. Bhumjaithai Party Secretary-General Chaichanok Chidchob voiced the party’s objections after a coalition meeting yesterday, August 13, highlighting four main concerns. According to Chaichanok, the bill would not effectively…
- Pattaya News
Bang Lamung chief cracks down on gambling and drugs in Pattaya
Bang Lamung District Chief Wikit Manarojkij recently led a monthly meeting with village headmen and local leaders at the district office, the primary agenda focused on the stringent enforcement of policies against gambling and drug-related activities. Wikit underscored two crucial policies that require strict adherence: the ban on gambling and the crackdown on drug offences. He voiced concerns about unreported…
- Thailand News
Former boxer gets ‘knocked out’ by cops for online gambling
Police from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested a well-known former boxer for promoting online gambling websites. The arrest took place yesterday, August 8, with the boxer admitting to receiving 2,500 baht per post. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), in collaboration with the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), apprehended the former professional boxer and popular influencer, Thawon (surname withheld). He…
- Thailand News
What is the current state of Thailand’s casino legislation, and how likely is it to change in the near future?
Thailand stands on the brink of a potentially transformative shift in its approach to gambling. For many years, casinos have been completely banned in the country, reflecting a conservative stance deeply rooted in cultural and legal traditions. However, recent developments suggest that Thailand might be on the path to legalising and regulating casino operations, marking a significant departure from its…
- Thailand News
Thai woman claims cops and dealer stacked the deck
A Thai gambler accused police of conspiring with a card dealer to cheat her out of 800,000 baht during a gambling raid at a house in the Lat Krabang district of Bangkok. The 37 year old gambler, May, hired a well-known lawyer, Ratchapon Sirisakhon, to seek justice for her. Accompanied by the lawyer, May came forward to expose the scam…
- Thailand News
Thai border patrol seizes illegal online gambling equipment
The Thai police intercepted a significant haul of computer equipment allegedly intended for an online gambling operation, marking a crucial step in curbing illegal activities along the Thai border. Border patrol soldiers and police seized the equipment near the Myanmar border in Tak province. The cargo was reportedly en route to Aranyaprathet in Sa Kaeo province, a known hub for…
