Law
PM Anutin Addresses Snooker Legalization Status
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has clarified his stance on the proposed amendment to the Gambling Act, denying claims that he refused to sign off on removing snooker from the gambling list.
On September 18, 2026, Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul addressed concerns raised by the People's Party regarding the potential legalization of snooker. The opposition had previously suggested that the Prime Minister was obstructing the growth of the sport by refusing to endorse a draft amendment to the Gambling Act, which aims to reclassify snooker as a sport rather than a gambling activity.
In his statement reported by Thai Post, Prime Minister Anutin denied these allegations, asserting that he has not made a final decision to reject the proposal. He indicated that the government is still evaluating the matter, offering a glimmer of hope to the Thai snooker community that the sport could eventually be removed from the gambling registry.
For residents and visitors, this development is significant as it highlights ongoing legislative efforts to modernize sports regulations in Thailand. If successful, the amendment could lead to increased investment, more professional tournaments, and a shift in how the sport is perceived and managed across the country. Currently, the status of the draft remains in a state of administrative review. It is not yet confirmed when or if the Prime Minister will formally sign the endorsement, or what specific regulatory changes would follow such an approval. Stakeholders are advised to monitor official government announcements for further updates on the legislative process.
