Politics
Prime Minister Rejects Gambling Act Amendment, Snooker Legalization Halted
The Thai Prime Minister has declined to endorse a proposed Gambling Act amendment, effectively stalling efforts to legalize snooker halls.
According to a report by Thai Post on September 17, 2026, the Prime Minister has officially withheld endorsement for a draft amendment to the Gambling Act, which was proposed by members of the People's Party (PChP). This decision effectively halts current legislative efforts to legalize snooker halls in Thailand.
The rejection follows formal reviews by three key government bodies: the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Finance, and the Council of State. These agencies expressed significant concerns regarding the potential negative impacts of the proposal. Specifically, officials cited fears that legalizing such venues could lead to increased social disorder, potential financial and fiscal instability, and a rise in crime rates associated with gambling activities.
For residents and travelers, this development means that the legal status of snooker halls remains unchanged, and they continue to operate under existing regulatory frameworks. While the proposal aimed to modernize gambling laws, the government’s current stance prioritizes social stability and fiscal caution over deregulation. It remains to be confirmed whether the opposition party will attempt to revise the draft to address these specific government concerns or if the initiative will be abandoned entirely during the current parliamentary session.
