National —
On October 10th, 2024, Thailand’s Royal Gazette published ministerial regulations under the Gambling Act, legalizing gambling under the traditional Buffalo Racing Festival (known as “wu laan”) to take place between 6 PM and 6 AM.
The regulation aims to align with local customs, particularly in regions where Buffalo Racing is a nighttime tradition, such as Phetchaburi Province. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed provincial governors to ensure compliance with the law, focusing on promoting tourism, job creation, and preserving local traditions.
Strict guidelines are in place to prevent animal abuse, drug use, and underage gambling. The regulation also authorizes 23 additional traditional games with specific time limits, including:
- Boxing and Wrestling between 12 PM and 12 AM
- Ring Toss from 7 AM to 12 AM
- Bingo from 7 AM to 12 AM
- Mahjong, Tile Games, and Card Games, including poker, from 12 PM to 12 AM on Sundays, and 6 PM to 12 AM on other days
Each game is restricted to specified hours and locations as outlined in the permit. The government’s intention is to regulate these games while enhancing local tourism, ensuring public safety, and preventing illegal activities such as drug use and youth delinquency, remarked Anutin.
TPN media notes that games need proper regulation and permission from local authorities.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.