Thailand is slowly but surely opening up to gambling, but there are still severe legal restrictions in place, which are among the strictest in East Asia. Thai boxer Sutthiwat, who is a real force to be reckoned with in the country, recently felt the full force of this fact. He was arrested for apparently wilfully promoting illegal gambling offers via his social media accounts. Following a large-scale investigation, he is now facing a hefty fine. He could face large fines or even a prison sentence.

Anyone who wants to gamble in Thailand is treading on thin ice, as the Gambling Act of 1935 almost completely prohibits such offers. The case of the Thai boxer Sutthiwat puts the country's strict gambling ban in the spotlight. Since the laws were passed, which was actually almost 90 years ago, there have only been a few legal forms of gambling. Exceptions include the state-regulated lottery and horse racing.

The regulations are among the strictest in East Asia and provide for severe penalties for offences, including heavy fines and imprisonment. In recent years, Thailand has even stepped up its efforts to combat illegal online gambling in particular. On the other hand, the government is striving to legalise and liberalise the market.

Sutthiwat, a well-known figure in the local Thai boxing scene, acted against the strict legislation by advertising illegal offers on his social media channels. The incident shows that even celebrities in Thailand are rigorously held accountable for violating the rules. The respected sportsman and idol of many young Thais is now at the centre of a national debate about the future of gambling - especially in light of the fact that, although it remains illegal at present, it is still unofficially widespread. The incident could potentially have far-reaching consequences for the public debate on a possible relaxation of the regulations. What is certain is that the boxing star's career will suffer considerable damage - depending on the penalty ultimately decided.

Large-scale investigation convicts the boxer

Sutthiwat's arrest was the result of a large-scale, highly specialised investigation conducted by Thai law enforcement agencies under the direction of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD). These investigative agencies are increasingly dedicated to combating illegal online activities.

In the case of Sutthiwat, the investigators made a decisive breakthrough after scrutinising his Facebook page. With an impressive reach of over 440,000 followers, he had advertised illegal gambling sites there and received 1,500 baht per post. The advertising posts did not go unnoticed: an intensive forensic analysis of his interactions, which was based on state-of-the-art tracking and monitoring methods, ultimately led to the collection of numerous pieces of incriminating evidence.

The raid, which took place under the direction of Police Major General Athip Pongsivapai, was classified as a targeted strike against illegal gambling advertising. Sutthiwat himself confessed during questioning that he had deliberately used his social media presence to advertise the gambling platforms in return for payment. These actions clearly violate the Gambling Act of 1935, which prohibits not only gambling itself, but also any form of promotion of illegal offers.
The TCSD's investigations were part of a longer-term national campaign aimed at stopping the increasing spread of illegal gambling advertising. Experts assume that the Thai authorities will continue to step up their crackdown on such activities, as they want to strengthen public confidence in compliance with the law. Sutthiwat now faces not only criminal penalties, but also the possible end of his career, as the public pressure and social ostracism for such offenses is considerable.

And what exactly is the penalty?

Sutthiwat is likely to face serious consequences under the Thai Gambling Act of 1935 and the corresponding penal provisions. If convicted of advertising illegal gambling sites, he could face a fine of up to 500,000 baht (approx. 14,500 euros). Furthermore, imprisonment of up to three years is possible, although the exact duration may vary depending on the severity of the offense and possible previous convictions. In addition, he could be banned from his profession, which would undoubtedly jeopardize his career as a boxer the most. The case is being taken very seriously by the Thai authorities as it undermines both public order and confidence in law enforcement.

Is gambling now legal in Thailand?

In this case, we are talking about “advertising illegal gambling”. But are there now also legal offers? As we reported in 2022, the country has been planning legalization for some time.

The government has apparently stepped up its efforts in this regard. The aim is to finally position Thailand as a leading tourist destination in Southeast Asia and increase state revenue. According to recent announcements, the focus is not only on the legalization of traditional gambling offers, but also on the creation of a comprehensive “fun economy”, which also includes areas such as sports, conferences and the events industry.

According to recently published estimates, the introduction of legalized gambling and its taxation could account for up to 50 percent of gross domestic product in the future. The government predicts that around 327 million euros in taxes would be generated in the first year alone, which would then be invested specifically in education and health programs. In terms of the geography of the new business area, tourist hotspots such as Phuket and Chiang Mai are also being considered as potential locations for legal gambling venues in addition to Bangkok.

A planned committee, headed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is to develop the legal framework and gaming rules for casinos. In March of this year, a majority of members of the House of Representatives spoke out in favor of the establishment of legal casinos in large entertainment centers. However, a concrete timetable for implementation has still not been set. This uncertainty means that it could still take some time before the legalization of gambling becomes a reality in Thailand. 

Conclusion

The situation surrounding gambling in Thailand is characterized by a clear tension between strict legal regulations and the government's efforts to liberalize the market. The case of boxer Sutthiwat illustrates how seriously the authorities are taking action against violations - especially at a time when the legalization of gambling is being discussed as a means of strengthening the economy and creating new sources of revenue. As the Thai government moves forward with plans to legalize gambling services, it remains to be seen how this initiative will develop and what impact it could have on the social and economic landscape. In the meantime, Sutthiwat must live with the consequences of its actions, which are considered a serious offense in the context of existing laws.

Image source: https://pixabay.com/photos/phuket-thailand-muay-thai-3863143/

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