Bangkok, October 2025 — Thailand is tightening its grip on illegal gambling operations nationwide, launching one of the most aggressive crackdowns in Southeast Asia. The government’s latest measures include border closures, power cuts to illicit casinos, and sweeping online restrictions aimed at dismantling cross-border gambling networks operating between Thailand and Cambodia.
Under Operation “Taming the Lion,” Thai police and military forces carried out raids in Don Mueang, a district of Bangkok, arresting over 200 suspects and uncovering illegal dens that processed nearly 500 million baht (USD 14 million) per month. Authorities seized cash, luxury assets, and evidence of digital betting transfers. According to The Nation Thailand, this marks the country’s largest anti-gambling operation since 2022.
Along the Cambodian border, officials have coordinated with local authorities to cut electricity, internet, and gas supplies to suspected gambling hubs that cater to Thai nationals. Reports highlight the scale of cross-border casinos disguised as entertainment complexes in Banteay Meanchey and Aranyaprathet, long known as hotspots for illegal betting.
The Thai government has also intensified digital oversight, blocking over 60,000 websites linked to gambling and pornography, including 25,500 betting platforms, between October 2023 and March 2024 — a 1,141% increase from the previous year. Operating unlicensed online gambling sites now carries penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines of 200,000 baht.
Legally, Thailand’s Gambling Act of 1935 still prohibits nearly all forms of gambling, except state lotteries and authorized horse racing. Despite ongoing debate about the Entertainment Complex Bill, which proposed integrated casino resorts, the legislation was withdrawn in July 2025 following strong political resistance. Earlier, the government suggested stringent player restrictions — including a requirement that locals show 50 million baht in fixed deposits to enter casinos — to prevent financial risk and social harm.
Analysts note that Thailand’s dual approach — cracking down on illegal operations while exploring limited legalization — mirrors the challenges faced by many Asian jurisdictions seeking to balance revenue generation with public control. For now, the message from Bangkok is clear: regulated gambling may be debated, but illegal betting will face zero tolerance.
