Thailand is on the cusp of a potential overhaul of its gambling laws, as Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced plans to establish a national gambling commission should online gambling be legalised.

This announcement comes in response to an initiative led by Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, aimed at formalising online gambling within two months.

Mr. Anutin outlined the role of his ministry in managing the licensing and categorisation of gambling types, which would be governed by draft legislation already in preparation.

A key aspect of the proposed legalisation involves transitioning current underground gambling activities onto legitimate platforms.

This move aims to curtail crime and exploitation inherent in unregulated gambling.

The proposed framework will include stringent monitoring by the Digital Economy and Society Ministry to tackle gambling addiction.

Innovative measures, such as notifying creditors to halt loans to individuals who accrue significant gambling debts, are part of the plan to foster responsible gambling practices.

Mr. Anutin stressed the necessity for potential gambling operators to exhibit financial stability and accountability, preventing them from shirking responsibilities in the face of financial losses.

Integral to this framework is the formation of a national gambling commission, envisioned as the linchpin for industry regulation.

The discussion around legalising online gambling was propelled into the spotlight following comments by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra during a campaign speech in Chiang Rai.

Thaksin advocated for legalisation, highlighting the substantial revenue generated by online gambling and the current government's inability to tax such activities effectively.

If enacted, these reforms could position Thailand as a regulated hub for online gambling, attracting international operators while safeguarding domestic interests.

The proposed national gambling commission's establishment would signify a structured approach, promoting transparency and accountability in this burgeoning digital sector.