The economic damage caused by the Covid pandemic has caused a rethink over legalising gambling.
Talks on allowing legal gambling have been blocked and strongly opposed for decades but Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-ch is thought to be seriously considering legal gambling.
He is taking a more pragmatic approach now, as the government admits it has been difficult to stop the growth of illegal gambling dens across the country.
The issue has become prominent again as Thailand’s current wave of Covid infections has been fuelled by crowded gambling dens.
The PM said it is time to discuss the pros and cons of legalising gambling again in Thailand.
Police have been cracking down on illegal gambling in recent weeks to stem the spread of Covid-19.
Thailand’s anti-gambling laws have long been criticised for being out-dated.
In 2016 authorities were ridiculed for arresting a group of elderly western expats in Pattaya for playing Bridge.
Written by Ray Montgomery, Asia Editor
