Thailand govt. to draft law legalizing online gambling within a month

The Thai government is set to finalize legislation legalizing online gambling within a month, following the cabinet's approval of a framework proposed by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES).

DES Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong confirmed on Tuesday that the cabinet had agreed in principle to amend secondary laws as a precursor to broader legislative changes requiring parliamentary approval. “The goal is to regulate underground gambling operations, bringing them into the legal framework and ensuring proper taxation,” Prasert stated.  

The amendments to secondary laws will be handled collaboratively by the DES, the Ministry of Interior, and the Council of State, a process expected to take about a month. Public hearings and further consultation with relevant agencies will follow before the measures are fully implemented.  

Prasert noted the prevalence of online football betting and other forms of digital gambling in Thailand. The plan includes considering popular activities like cockfighting and sports betting as part of the regulatory framework. While specific responsibilities for managing these activities have yet to be decided, Prasert said that additional organizations might be included if necessary.  

The move aligns with the administration’s broader entertainment complex strategy, which received cabinet approval this week. The Entertainment Complex Business Act seeks to decriminalize gambling in designated casino venues, further boosting state revenue through taxation. The proposed legislation is expected to be reviewed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate.  

Despite the government’s assurances about economic benefits, the plan has sparked criticism from some quarters. Former senator Wanlop Tangkananurak expressed concerns over the potential social repercussions, particularly for younger generations.

“This will be disastrous to Thai society since it will change Thai society so much that it cannot be reversed. It will have a great impact on children, youth, and the new generation,” he warned on Wednesday.  

Wanlop also called for greater transparency, urging stakeholders to investigate whether the initiative serves hidden agendas.  

Prasert defended the government’s decision, citing the economic potential of legalizing underground gambling. He referenced increased betting activity during the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship as evidence of the scale of the industry.