Thailand Goes Against Illegal Online Gambling

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The ongoing battle against unlicensed online gambling is being ramped up in Thailand, as the nation simultaneously toys with the idea of making casino gaming legal. The government has made it clear that operations related to illegal gambling are now classified as significant economic offenses, under a policy announced by Deputy Government Spokesperson Kanika Aunjit just yesterday.

Kanika has made a strong appeal to the Thai populace, urging them to steer clear of online gambling and to be wary of the enticing offers made by these illegal operators. She stressed the government’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens from the perils associated with unlicensed gambling websites, emphasizing the importance of resisting the allure of potential online gambling winnings.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has raised concerns over online gambling, highlighting its detrimental effects on both the economy and public health. He pointed to the accessibility of gambling sites to the youth and the rising cases of identity theft as clear indicators of the urgent need for stringent measures.

The Thai government’s dedication to this cause is evident in their recent actions, having targeted and taken down a substantial number of illicit online gambling platforms and content. From October 1 to March 5, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society managed to suspend around 60,681 pieces of content deemed inappropriate and successfully blocked 25,571 websites linked to online gambling activities.

The country has long been opposed to online gambling, implementing severe penalties for those found in violation of local laws. Individuals caught engaging in or promoting online gambling face hefty fines ranging from 20,000 to 200,000 baht and the possibility of imprisonment for up to ten years. Moreover, those found encouraging others to gamble could be fined 2,000 baht and face up to two years behind bars.

As reported by several media outlets, on March 17, Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn held press briefing to shed light on the involvement of senior officers in an unlawful gambling network. This announcement follows the official notification to Pol Gen Surachate concerning allegations of money laundering tied to an online gambling operation.

Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn's legal team will hold a press conference on March 19 to expose high-ranking officers who are allegedly linked to an illegal gambling network, according to news reports. This comes after he was officially summoned for money… pic.twitter.com/9nv05N44V5

— Thai Enquirer (@ThaiEnquirer) March 17, 2024

At the heart of these allegations is the investigation into the supposed financial transactions linking Pol Gen Surachate to a prohibited online gambling framework. Investigators are scrutinizing at least four mule accounts, which are reported to hold a combined value of 300 million baht, in connection with this case.

Despite its firm stance against online gambling, Thailand seems to be opening up to the potential benefits of legalizing casino gaming. A proposal to permit the construction of casino resorts was overwhelmingly approved by Thailand’s House of Representatives last week, setting the stage for a significant shift in the country’s gambling landscape. Industry insiders even speculate that Thailand might beat Japan to the punch by launching its first casino ahead of MGM Resorts’ anticipated integrated resort in Osaka.

Thailand in Crypto News

Despite its complicated relationship with online gambling, Thailand seems to have a loving attitude toward crypto, which some might argue that it constitutes another form of gambling.

Recently, Bitkub Capital Group Holdings, the owner company of Thailand’s leading cryptocurrency exchange, announced its goal of going public on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) by 2025. In anticipation of this, Bitkub is gearing up by not just engaging financial advisors but also by planning an ambitious expansion of its workforce. The company aims to increase its team, currently boasting 2,000 members, by an impressive 50%, adding another 1,000 employees to the roster.

This decision to upscale its employee count marks a strategic pivot from the company’s previous approach, where it reduced its workforce by 6% during 2022 and 2023. The upcoming IPO is not just a milestone for Bitkub but is also poised to be a landmark event in the company’s history, promising to bring in new capital and expand its visibility in the market.