The inspections, carried out from Sept 6-9, targeted convenience stores, shopping malls ‒ including Robinson Lifestyle Thalang ‒ and other venues, the Thalang District Office reported today (Sept 12).
Each machine was immediately shut down, with official notices attached, and operators were given 15 days to remove them.
The responsible persons for each venue were fined B2,000 per machine under Ministry of Interior orders issued on Sept 2 to enforce the Gambling Act B.E. 2478 (1935).
“Operators must strictly follow the law. Those who continue running unlicensed claw machines after notification will face strict legal action,” the Thalang District Office said in its report.
According to the office, claw machines fall under List B, No. 28 of the Gambling Act, as the coin-operated games create a win-lose situation between the player and the operator, classifying them as gambling devices.
Running such games without a licence carries a penalty of up to two years in prison, a fine of B2,000, or both. However, the Ministry of Interior has instructed all provinces not to issue permits for claw machines and to strictly prohibit their operation, the Thalang District Office noted.
The Thalang District Office also warned that venue owners who provide space for such machines could face prosecution with the same penalties for indirectly promoting or supporting illegal gambling if they fail to remove them after being officially notified.