Sport
Thai Prime Minister Reconsiders Snooker's Legal Status
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has pledged to review the potential removal of snooker from the 1935 Gambling Act, emphasizing his view of the game as a skill-based sport.
On September 18, 2026, Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul addressed concerns regarding the legal classification of snooker in Thailand. Currently, the sport remains categorized under the 1935 Gambling Act, a designation that critics argue hinders the development and promotion of the game as a professional sport.
Responding to inquiries from the People's Party regarding his previous refusal to sign a proposal to declassify snooker, the Prime Minister clarified that the matter is still under review. He noted that he intends to consult with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior to re-examine the proposal. Addressing reports that the initiative was previously blocked due to concerns over its status as a financial law, the Prime Minister stated that the file had not yet reached his desk for a final decision.
Anutin, who shared personal anecdotes about his own history as a competitive snooker player, expressed his belief that the game is a skill-building activity rather than a form of vice. For residents and visitors, this development is significant as it could eventually lead to the formal recognition of snooker as a legitimate sport, potentially impacting how venues are regulated. However, the proposal remains in the deliberation phase, and it is not yet confirmed whether the government will proceed with the legislative changes required to remove snooker from the Gambling Act.
