Youth Groups Oppose Gambling Bill in Bangkok: Concerns Raised on Policy Impact

Youth Network Challenges Online Gambling Legalization amid Addiction Fears

published: Feb. 26, 2025

A youth network against gambling has formally petitioned the prime minister to reconsider the government’s policy regarding the legalization of online gambling. The petition, submitted on Feb. 25, 2025, highlights concerns over the potential for increased gambling addiction among young people, claiming that approximately one in four young individuals is susceptible to developing a gambling problem.

Youth Network’s Concerns Over Gambling Act Amendment

Wasinee Sonsab, the network coordinator, voiced strong opposition to the proposed amendment to the gambling Act 1935, aimed at legalizing online gambling. The network fears a meaningful increase in the number of young gamblers if these measures are adopted.

Highlighting concerning statistics, Sonsab stated, “Currently, Thai youths can access gambling in large numbers.” Data from the Center for Gambling Studies indicates that in 2023, 32.3%, or 2.9 million individuals aged 15-25,engaged in online gambling. Alarming still, she claims about one in four, or 739,000 youths, are at risk of addiction.

Sonsab further elaborated on the network’s stance: “This is a [statistic] that has not been protected by the government at all. The network would like to express its disagreement with the policy as the government’s attempt to generate more income through online gambling is a greedy and shameful idea. This obviously demonstrates the desire to solely pursue short-term profits, with detrimental social effects that will follow in the long run.”

Ethical Considerations and Long-Term Consequences

The network also criticized the government’s rationale for legalizing online gambling, particularly the claim that revenues would fund scholarships for underprivileged students. The network views this as exploitative, using young people’s futures “as a bargaining chip without taking any responsibility.”

Addressing proposed increased penalties for offenders, Sonsab remarked, “The claim that this amendment increases the punishment for offenders is like using strong medicine to deal with a serious disease.”

She further argued, “However, online gambling is very widespread at present. One of the main causes is corruption and the misconduct of officials. Therefore, increasing the punishment may be like a force for quack doctors who may misuse this medicine. The youth network hopes the prime minister will review this policy.”

Expert Perspectives on Gambling Addiction

bodinchai Boonpok, leader of the Youth Network for risk Reduction of Ramkhamhaeng University, emphasized the difficulty individuals face in escaping the cycle of online gambling addiction. He noted that many addicted individuals resort to dishonesty and theft to sustain their habit.

Boonpok also questioned the effectiveness of legalization, stating, “We do not believe that legalising online gambling or casinos will reduce or eliminate illegal online gambling sites and illegal gambling dens. It is indeed merely an excuse to trick people.”

Take Action Against Gambling Addiction

The youth network’s protest highlights the urgent need for responsible gambling policies and increased awareness of addiction risks. Contact yoru local representatives to voice your concerns and support initiatives that protect young people from the harmful effects of online gambling.Learn more about responsible gambling at National Council on Problem Gambling.

What are the specific arguments made by youth network representatives against online gambling legalization?

Expert Interview: Youth Network Calls for Caution Amid Online Gambling Legalization Push

In light of recent concerns raised by youth networks about the potential increase in gambling addiction following online gambling legalization, Archyde News sat down with two leading figures in the youth advocacy space to discuss their stance on theissue. Our interview features Wasinee Sonsab, coordinator of the Youth Network Against Gambling, and bodinchai Boonpok, leader of the Youth Network for Risk Reduction at Ramkhamhaeng University.

Wasinee Sonsab, Youth Network Against Gambling coordinator

Archyde: Can you tell our readers about the Youth Network Against Gambling and its mission?

Wasinee Sonsab: Certainly. Our network is a collective of young individuals dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of gambling addiction, especially among our peers. we advocate for responsible gambling policies and work to protect young people from the harmful effects of gambling.

Archyde: Your network recently submitted a petition against the proposed online gambling legalization. What are your main concerns?

Wasinee: Our primary concern is the potential surge in young gamblers and, consequently, gambling addiction cases. Data shows that thai youths already have easy access to online gambling, with approximately one in four at risk of developing an addiction. Legalization could exacerbate this situation.

Archyde: The government argues that legalization could help fund scholarships. How do you respond to this?

Wasinee: We view this as an exploitative move, using young people’s futures as a bargaining chip.It’s a short-sighted approach that chasing short-term profits without considering the long-term social consequences.

bodinchai boonpok, Youth Network for Risk Reduction Leader

Archyde: bodinchai, could you share some insights on the difficulty of escaping the cycle of online gambling addiction?

bodinchai boonpok: Unfortunately, many individuals find it incredibly challenging to break free from this cycle. Addiction often leads to dishonesty and even theft to sustain the habit, further exacerbating personal and familial issues.

Archyde: Do you believe that legalizing online gambling or casinos will effectively reduce illegal activities, as some argue?

bodinchai: We don’t think so.Legalization might merely provide an excuse to trick people into believing that gambling is now safe and acceptable. However, online gambling addiction remains a very real and dangerous issue.

A Final Thought

Archyde: What woudl you like to say to young people and policymakers regarding this matter?

Wasinee & bodinchai (together): we urge everyone to be cautious and voice their concerns about the risks associated with online gambling. Let’s push for better education, stricter regulations, and meaningful support for those struggling with gambling addiction. Together, we can make a difference.

Join the Conversation

Share your thoughts on the online gambling legalization debate in the comments below. how can we, as a society, better protect young people from gambling addiction?