Police seize claw machines in Nakhon Si Thammarat over youth gambling fears

PUBLISHED: 18 May 2025 at 10: 59

Claw machines are seen at a mall in Thailand. Authorities are cracking down on these machines, saying they mostly operate without licences and encourage gambling among youngsters. (Photo By Varuth Hirunyatheb) — Claw-making equipment can be seen in a Thai store. Officials are cracking down on these devices, saying that most of them operate without permits and encourage young people to gamble. ( Photo By Varuth Hirunyatheb)

Coin-operated finger machines are a hot item in Nakhon Si Thammarat, and authorities in the area have launched a crackdown on them because they fear they are luring schoolchildren into acting in a gambling-like manner and draining their pocket money.

The procedure, which was led by local administrative and municipal police officers, started in the Muang area. Government placed security-related devices close to schools and tutoring facilities, particularly in areas where students frequently come in after school or on the weekends. Many of the devices were discovered without proper recognition or grants.

The devices may be viewed as playing equipment under Thai laws, according to Pol Lt Col Narakorn Iadchuay, deputy director of Tha Sala Police Station. Entrepreneurs who claim restitution of the seized devices may be subject to legal action.

Authorities also raised questions about the propriety and quality of the awards inside the machines, citing concerns about copyright infringement and product security standards. In the upcoming weeks, the procedure is anticipated to expand to other regions.