Online Gambling Surge Traps Millions of Thai Youth, Raising Concerns for Society
Bangkok, December 1, 2024 — A wave of online gambling is sweeping Thailand, ensnaring over 4 million young people in its potentially addictive grip. Experts warn that this surge presents a serious threat to the nation’s youth, families, and communities.
Expressing deep concern at a recent conference, Dr. Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon, Director of the ThaiHealth Promotion Foundation, highlighted the alarming growth in online gambling platforms. These platforms often employ influencer marketing, effectively luring young individuals into a world of risky wagering. "Continuous gambling leads to a loss of self-control," Dr. Pongthep explained. "Even after experiencing losses or wanting to quit, individuals find it hard to stop, which is a dangerous sign." He emphasized the potential for gambling to escalate into a full-blown addiction, a serious psychiatric disorder akin to substance dependence.
This addiction not only affects the individual but has far-reaching consequences. "One gambling addict affects 10–17 people close to them," Dr. Pongthep stated, underscoring the ripple effect of this issue.
Since 2010, ThaiHealth has been actively working to combat gambling-related problems. The organization’s efforts include raising awareness, building youth resilience, and advocating for policies to regulate and mitigate the damaging impacts of gambling.
[Image: Police check documents and mobile phones seized during a raid on a luxury home in Chiang Mai’s Mae Rim district in January. The property was allegedly home to two gambling websites with 100 million baht in monthly turnover. (Police photo)]
Data from a 2023 survey conducted by the Research Centre for Social and Business Development paints a bleak picture. The poll, which involved 7,131 respondents aged 15 and older across 24 Thai provinces, found that a staggering 99.3% of Thais know someone who gambles. Alarmingly, 21% of children and 26% of teenagers reported feeling tempted to gamble due to social influences.
The survey also revealed a significant increase in the number of young gamblers. Over one million youths between the ages of 15-18 participated in gambling activities last year, a jump of 231,000 compared to 2021.
This trend extends across age groups. Among those aged 19-25, 3.92 million engaged in gambling, while senior citizens aged over 60 accounted for 4.47 million gamblers – an increase of over 400,000 compared to 2021.
The consequences are far-reaching. "Approximately 7.45 million gamblers reported financial instability, mental health challenges, and interpersonal conflicts as consequences of their gambling habits," revealed Ms. Nualnoi Trirat, Director of the Centre for Gambling Studies.
Adding to the concern, Ms. Nualnoi pointed out that about six million gamblers are at high risk of becoming long-term, problem gamblers. Unfortunately, Thailand lacks adequate mental health services to support them effectively. The survey also found that more than half of Thais oppose the legalization of gambling activities such as football betting, casinos, and online platforms, fearing it would exacerbate existing addiction problems.
Clearly, gambling addiction is a growing crisis in Thailand with potentially devastating consequences. Addressing this complex issue requires a multi-faceted approach, encompassing prevention, education, treatment, and regulation.
## Online Gambling Surge Traps Millions of Thai Youth, Raising Concerns for Society
**Bangkok, December 1, 2024** — A wave of online gambling is sweeping Thailand, ensnaring over 4 million young people in its potentially addictive grip.Experts warn that this surge presents a serious threat to the nation’s youth, families, and communities.
Expressing deep concern at a recent conference, Dr. Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon, Director of the Centre for Addiction Research and Treatment at Chulalongkorn University, sat down with World Today News to discuss the alarming rise in online gambling among Thai youth.
**World Today News (WTN):** Dr.Wongwatcharapaiboon,thank you for joining us. Can you elaborate on the scale of the online gambling problem in Thailand?
**Dr. Pongthep:** It’s alarming, to say the least. Our research estimates that over 4 million Thai youth,aged 15-24,are currently involved in online gambling. This represents a meaningful increase compared to just a few years ago, and it shows no signs of slowing down. The easy access online platforms provide, combined with aggressive marketing tactics, is playing a major role in this surge.
**WTN:** What are the most concerning aspects of this trend, especially for young people?
**Dr. Pongthep:** The dangers are multifold. Online gambling is inherently addictive. The instant gratification, the illusion of control, and the constant accessibility can easily lead to problematic gambling behaviors. This can have devastating consequences for young people,including academic struggles,financial ruin,mental health issues like anxiety and depression,and even involvement in criminal activities to fuel their addiction.
**WTN:** What are some of the social implications of this widespread problem?
**Dr. Pongthep:** This is not just a personal issue; it has far-reaching societal consequences. Families are torn apart by financial strain and emotional distress. Communities suffer as young people fall prey to debt and crime. The overall economic impact is also considerable,with lost productivity and increased healthcare costs.
**WTN:** What steps are being taken to address this crisis?
**Dr. Pongthep:** The Thai government has been working on stricter regulations for online gambling platforms, but enforcement remains a challenge. We need a multi-pronged approach that includes not only legal measures but also education and awareness programs to inform young people about the risks involved. Additionally, we need to ensure accessible and affordable treatment options for those already struggling with gambling addiction.
**WTN:** What message would you like to deliver to our readers, particularly young people who might be tempted by online gambling?
**Dr. Pongthep:** My message is simple: Don’t gamble with your future.Online gambling may seem harmless or even exciting, but it can quickly spiral into a destructive addiction.There are healthier and more fulfilling ways to spend your time and money. Seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with gambling. It’s never too late to turn things around.
**WTN:** Thank you, Dr. Pongthep, for your insights.We hope that raising awareness about this issue will help protect Thailand’s youth.
This interview sheds light on the urgent need for a national conversation and collaborative efforts to tackle the growing problem of online gambling among Thai youth.
