Nearly 5 million Thai children and youth are gamblers, study reveals

Thailand is grappling with a pressing gambling crisis, with nearly 5 million children and young people participating in various forms of gambling, according to health experts and academics speaking at a forum on Friday. 

Hosted by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation in collaboration with the Centre for Gambling Studies at Chulalongkorn University, the "Gambling Risk Society: Betting on the Future" conference took place at the Mandarin Samyan Hotel. 

The event aimed to promote dialogue and develop effective strategies to tackle gambling-related issues, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable populations, including children and youth.

According to recent studies, more than 6 million individuals are at risk of developing gambling-related issues. Scholars have cautioned that the establishment of "entertainment complexes" warrants careful consideration, with many asserting that "casinos" often serve as venues for money laundering activities.

Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon, director of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, highlighted the impact of technology on gambling behaviour, noting an increase in online platforms that entice users with 24/7 accessibility and promotions.

 "If you gamble continuously, you will lose the ability to control yourself, which is a danger sign,” he warned. “This can lead to gambling addiction, a psychiatric disorder similar to drug addiction, affecting families and communities."

A recent report led by Assoc Prof Nualnoi Treerat from the Centre for Gambling Studies revealed alarming data. The study, conducted between November 15-27, 2023, sampled over 7,000 individuals aged 15 and above across 24 provinces.

It found that 99.3% of respondents knew someone involved in gambling, with children making up 21% and youth 26%. The research indicated that 1.06 million children (aged 15-18) are now gamblers, while youth (aged 19-25) number around 3.92 million, both figures representing an increase from 2021.

The negative ramifications of gambling are extensive, with 45 million people reporting adverse effects — ranging from financial strain and deteriorating mental health to familial conflicts and social isolation.

Sadly, over 6 million gamblers are deemed at high risk of developing problematic gambling behaviours and could benefit from mental health support, a resource that is still insufficiently available in Thai society.

The forum also dwelt on dissent from the public regarding the proposal to expand legal gambling, including football betting and casinos, with over half of Thai respondents concerned it would lead to an uptick in gambling.

Asst Dr Natchapol Jittirat from Chulalongkorn University raised critical issues regarding the Comprehensive Entertainment Venue Act, stating that casinos not only pose risks to gamblers but also serve as potential hotspots for money laundering. 

"Casinos are often used as money laundering facilities," he noted, emphasising the need for strict regulation to prevent criminals from exploiting these venues. 

He warned that lax measures could jeopardise Thailand's standing with international bodies like the FATF, which could result in the nation being placed on the Grey List, hindering international trade and investment. 

As concerns rise, stakeholders are seeking comprehensive policy measures to address these pressing gambling issues in Thailand, advocating for the protection of vulnerable populations, particularly the youth.