Pattaya-
Police from Nongprue Police Station in Chonburi province have ramped up efforts to eradicate hidden gambling activities, with a recent operation targeting coin-operated claw machines in the Khao Talo soi area and surrounding districts.
The operation, directed by Colonel Natthaphon Phongsukskul, Superintendent of Nongprue Police Station, tasked Lieutenant Colonel Khamron Rodma and patrol officers with inspecting claw machines across the Nongprue sub-district.
Officers seized a total of four automatic claw machines suspected of facilitating disguised gambling:
– One “Doll Mart” brand machine located in front of a laundry shop at 178/6 Moo 10.
– One “HAPPY Doll” brand machine in front of a grocery store at 104/27 Moo 10.
– One “WONDER LAND” brand machine at 244/165 Moo 6.
– Another “HAPPY Doll” brand machine in front of the Mini Big C branch at Siam Country Club, 244/163 Moo 6.
All machines were found in the Nongprue sub-district and have been confiscated as evidence. They will be handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings under Thailand’s Gambling Act.
Authorities stated that the crackdown will continue rigorously to eliminate disguised gambling and maintain public order in the area.
Claw machines have faced increasing scrutiny nationwide in 2025, as they are classified under Thailand’s 1935 Gambling Act as potential gambling devices due to the element of chance involved in winning prizes, often without guarantees. Similar operations have occurred in other provinces amid concerns over youth addiction and unlicensed operations.
