During the FIFA World Cup season, the authorities have initiated a campaign to discourage football betting, saying that young people are especially prone to indulging in internet gambling.
As new platforms such as internet sites make it simpler for more individuals to place bets, the Royal Thai Police have proclaimed their intention to restrict football gambling during the FIFA World Cup.
As part of their attempts to prohibit gambling during the World Cup, the police have established a prevention and repression center.
Police Chief Assistant Pol Lt Gen Panurat Lakboon stated that Royal Thai Police Commissioner-General Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas ordered the establishment of the center and that weekly meetings will take place.
Except for government-sanctioned horse races, gambling on sports is forbidden in Thailand. However, the proliferation of illicit betting websites makes gambling easier than ever.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Panurat stated that police efforts will concentrate mostly on young individuals, who can be readily enticed to engage in internet gambling in addition to traditional wagering.
The police will also collaborate with other government organizations, business companies, and educational institutions to educate the public about the negative effects of gambling.
