Be wary of betting
With a slim majority in parliament, the Pheu Thai-led government coalition last week decided to withdraw the casino bill for fear of unfavourable political consequences had the legislation been shot down in the House.
Pheu Thai's attempt to propose legalised online gambling is on the horizon after it took over the interior portfolio from the Bhumjaithai Party, which left the coalition following a series of conflicts with Pheu Thai. As a result, Phumtham Wechayachai became the new interior minister.
However, there is speculation that by pushing for an alternative to its casino plan, Pheu Thai is in dire need of a source of funds to prepare for a general election.
Indeed, the Pheu Thai-led cabinet started the process early this year. While people focused their attention on the casino complex bill, the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society amended various regulations restricting online betting.
The issue was put to a public hearing in January and February, and 60% of over 4,300 participants agreed with the changes, while 40% did not. A bill was tentatively expected to be tabled in parliament in June.
The Interior Ministry is aiming to issue gambling licences for 23 "traditional activities" like cockfighting, horse racing and boxing.
There was also discussion to legalise online baccarat, roulette, blackjack, slot machines and the lottery.
The campaign to legalise online gambling has been championed by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. In public, Thaksin has been talking about how underground gambling activities put huge amounts of money -- some 150 billion baht per year -- into the local economic system, and how Thailand could capitalise on this.
Thaksin tried to calm those worried about the negative impact, saying the government would put in place strict control mechanisms, including a digital ID system that can verify each gambler's identity and age, as well as a dashboard system to monitor each gambler.
The attempt, however, indicates that Thaksin hasn't learnt his lesson. The prospect of legalised gambling will face public disapproval, and this is the real hurdle. It may end up in a similar fashion to the entertainment complex policy.
More importantly, preventive mechanisms by the government may not work as intended, as many of the 23 types of games listed under Thailand's anti-gambling law are considered a way of life in several communities, meaning easy access for community members, as this means control, unlike a casino operation, is almost impossible.
It's worth mentioning that a study commissioned in 2023 by the Ministry of Public Health found that more than half a million teenagers or those under 20 were involved in gambling.
It's very likely that legalisation would see a rise in the number of gamblers, not to mention graft problems involving state authorities.
Online betting indeed could be a source of new grey businesses or corruption if provincial governors are appointed as licence issuers. But given the potential backlash against the ruling party, state income in the form of gambling revenue may not be worth it.
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