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Online Gambling in Thailand: A Growing Concern</h1
Over four million young people in Thailand are entangled in online gambling, posing a substantial threat to their well-being, according to experts. This alarming trend was highlighted at the 2024 conference of the Centre for Gambling Studies held in Bangkok..
Police check documents and mobile phones seized during a raid on a luxury home in Chiang Mai’s Mae Rim district in January.
The property was allegedly home to two gambling websites with 100
million baht in monthly turnover. (Police photo)
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Dr. Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon, director of the ThaiHealth Promotion Foundation, sounded the alarm, stating, “Continuous gambling leads to loss of self-control. Even after experiencing losses or wanting to quit, individuals find it hard to stop, which is a dangerous sign.”
Dr. Pongthep emphasized the risk of developing gambling habits and even addiction—a psychiatric disorder akin to substance addiction—that can ripple through families, communities,
and society at large.
“One gambling addict affects 10–17 people close to them,”
he added. Since 2010,
ThaiHealth has been actively working to mitigate the impacts of gambling Sentence
embedding 2010 formatting
CGS director Nualnoi Trirat presented concerning findings from a 2023 Research Centre for Social and Business Development survey.
Covering 7,131 respondents aged 15 and up across 24 provinces between November 15 and December 27.
The survey revealed that 99.3% of Thais know someone who gambles
, a sobering statistic that underlines the pervasive nature of the problem.
Further amplifying concerns, the survey showed 21% of children and 26% of teenagers
What measures can governments and regulatory bodies take to effectively curb illegal online gambling platforms in Thailand and protect vulnerable youth?
## Online Gambling Threatens Thai Youth
**INTERVIEWER:** Thank you for joining us today to discuss the concerning rise of online gambling among young people in Thailand.
**GUEST:** It’s a pleasure to be here. This is indeed a serious issue with potentially devastating consequences for a generation.
**INTERVIEWER:** Experts estimate that over four million young people in Thailand are now involved with online gambling. What are the contributing factors to this alarming trend?
**GUEST:** There are several factors at play. Firstly, the accessibility of online gambling platforms is a major issue. With smartphones and internet access becoming increasingly common, these platforms are readily available to young people, often without adequate age verification.
Secondly, the marketing tactics employed by these platforms are often predatory, targeting vulnerable individuals with promises of easy money and quick riches. This can be particularly appealing to young people who may be struggling financially or seeking excitement.
the lack of awareness and understanding about the risks associated with online gambling is a significant problem. Many young people underestimate the potential for addiction, financial ruin, and mental health problems that can arise from excessive gambling.
**INTERVIEWER:** What are some of the consequences we’re seeing as a result of this widespread online gambling among youth?
**GUEST:** The consequences are multifaceted and deeply troubling. We see an increase in cases of youth indebtedness, leading to financial hardship for individuals and their families.
There’s a growing number of young people experiencing gambling addiction, leading to significant mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. Additionally, the social consequences are alarming, with strained relationships and academic difficulties becoming more prevalent.
**INTERVIEWER:** What can be done to address this issue?
**GUEST:** A multi-pronged approach is essential. We need stronger regulations and enforcement to curb the activities of illegal online gambling platforms. There needs to be stricter age verification measures and responsible marketing practices.
It’s also crucial to invest in public awareness campaigns to educate young people about the risks of online gambling and promote healthy alternatives for entertainment and recreation.
providing accessible and affordable support services for individuals struggling with gambling addiction is paramount.
**INTERVIEWER:**Thank you for sharing your insights on this important topic. We hope that increased awareness and action will help protect our youth from the harmful effects of online gambling.
