Thailand: Claw crane operator arrested - and acquitted

In 2020 the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Thailand had declared all gambling as well as all claw cranes as illegal. At the time, a former claw crane operator was then arrested in this connection. The process started a few weeks ago - with a surprising outcome.

In January 2020 we had already reported about the issue whether claw cranes could actually be a “gateway drug” to gambling. A short while later the Ministry of Interior of Thailand had put the money where the mouth is and declared that with immediate effect all claw cranes in the country as illegal. Gambling has long been illegal in Thailand since the gambling law was introduced in 1935. Only gambling on horses and state lotteries are allowed here. Now they want to also try to completely ban the claw cranes which at first glance may appear harmless.

Court dismisses case against claw crane operator

Around more than two weeks ago the prosecution of Chiang Mai decided to dismiss the case against a claw crane operator from Thailand. The man had already been arrested lasted year for organising illegal gambling. This however was not applicable as justification for the court, and the latter decided that the claw cranes were entertainment machines and not a form of gambling. The court in Thailand has therefore here set a precedent with this case. Around two years ago, the government had already made the operation of claw cranes illegal, on the basis of the applicable laws.

What was the claw crane operator accused of?

The claw-crane operator was originally accused of organised gambling as well as misappropriation, i.e. of handling illegal goods. The lawyer of the Family Amusement Co. Ltd., Kasem Suphasit, notified the court that his client was arrested by the police on 17th. March 2021. The businessman operated a games hall with claw cranes in the Promenada Shopping Mall in Chiang Mai. Another 35 claw cranes, as well as seven vending machines were seized by the police during further investigations. The police also seized around 198,750 Baht in cash.

Are all claw crane machines now legal once again in Thailand?

It is indeed a fact that the court has decided to drop all accusations against the claw machine operator in this case. However, this does not mean that now all claw machines may be operated whenever one wants and that this will be legal. It is more a case-by-case decision which depends on several criteria (e.g. the place of manufacture of the machines).

Khun Kasem stated the following on this case:

“Meanwhile claw crane machines are considered as vending machines and it was proven that the company is operating in accordance with the Directives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.”

Despite this, other claw-crane operators could break the law and may also be liable to prosecution.

Conclusion

A businessman from Thailand who was operating a games hall with claw-cranes in a shopping mall was arrested by the authorities. He was accused of organising gambling, among other things. However, a few months ago the responsible prosecution dropped all charges and the man was acquitted. However, claw crane machines which usually offer sweets or toys as prizes are still considered as gambling and therefore remain illegal.

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