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Thailand Is Ready To Break With Traditions To Stop The COVID-19 Spread

Article by : Helen Jan 28, 2021

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Updated: Apr 6, 2023

Desperate times know for desperate measures – that’s how one can describe the situation around Thailand’s gambling laws. Since the Gambling Act 1935, all forms of gambling, except for betting on horse races and government-controlled lottery, were prohibited in the country. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced Thailand’s government to think of breaking with traditions. Many countries have already benefited from relaxing their gambling bans, which has helped them make up for the losses. Now, the authorities are also considering legalizing gambling in Thailand to fill the budget gaps caused by unforeseen circumstances and stop the further spread of the coronavirus.

Prayut Chan-o-cha, Thailand’s Prime Minister, suggested forming two separate committees: one for examining how to help local authorities deal with illegal gambling, and the other to determine the ways of preventing smuggling migrants into the country. At first, Thailand’s authorities were claiming that there are no illegal gambling dens in the country.

You must ask the doctor who provides this information. I don’t believe illegal casinos are operating in Bangkok, but if the doctor knows about it, he can inform the authorities.

However, after those claims turned out to be false, both committees’ formation was immediately authorized. Though the committees will be examining the role of illegal gambling in spreading the virus, their primary purpose is to find ways of limiting the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus cases, the number of which have doubled in the last couple of months. Meanwhile, Thailand’s tourism industry has taken a strong hit from the quarantine-related restrictions and lockdown fears, which, in turn, negatively impacts the country’s tax revenue.

Previously, the Prime Minister blamed illegal migrants working at the market for spreading the virus while not acknowledging the problem of illegal gambling. Anti-immigrant sentiments rose in the country after that. However, the latest figures have proved otherwise. On January 2, 243 coronavirus cases were recorded in Chonburi, with 75% of them directly connected to illegal gambling hubs located in the region. Only 30 cases were connected to immigrants who have nothing to do with illegal gambling. Thailand’s own Center of Covid-19 Situation Administration has identified illegal gambling venues as a major provider of coronavirus cases.

Last week, Nonthaburi police raided an illegal gambling hub, while police in Pattaya were also raiding an illegal gambling den in a condominium complex. The committee has been asked to find out why the gambling dens have not been raided before and whether police have been turning a blind eye to the expansion of illegal gambling. PM Prayut said that even though his personal thoughts about gambling are negative, it’s high time to raise the question of legalizing gambling in the country. He added that nothing but legal casinos can protect the country from the spread of illegal gambling dens. Prayut got the support of opposition party leaders who viewed legalized gambling as a way of patching the budget gaps.

Currently, Thailand allows only betting on horse races and a state-controlled lottery that does not find popularity with local residents who prefer traveling to neighboring Cambodia and gambling at its local gambling properties. Unluckily, the still-ongoing pandemic put many restrictions on crossing the borders, which eventually boosted up underground gambling in Thailand.

Prayut has already called for a public discussion of the possible forms of legalized gambling. While anti-gambling groups are expressing their predictable thoughts on this matter, more open-minded groups suggest legal gambling be limited to integrated resorts located in special tourist areas.

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