Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra spoke bluntly on the TV show "Breaking Through Thailand's Stalemate," calling on the Thai government to immediately push for the legalization of online gambling and establish a strict regulatory system to combat the underground economy, increase tax revenue, and curb youth addiction.
Thaksin pointed out that Thailand loses up to 300 billion Thai baht annually due to illegal online gambling, telecommunications fraud, and capital flight, with illegal gambling transactions alone exceeding 150 billion. Underground betting often involves millions of baht, but due to lack of regulation, funds are siphoned off, and the government is unable to tax or control it. He openly stated, "We know who is gambling and where the platforms are, but because of their illegal status, the government cannot intervene."
He suggested that the government launch a legal online gambling platform, bind real-name digital identities, restrict age, build real-time monitoring systems, and legally tax it, turning gray income into national revenue and creating a positive cycle.
Thaksin also pointed out that Thailand's gray economy has eroded the nation's foundation. In addition to gambling, there are scams, money laundering, drugs, and underground lending, with the underground economy estimated to exceed 300 billion baht, nearly half of the GDP. For example, nationals recharge more than 50 billion baht annually on overseas platforms, and losses from scams and money laundering reach 70 to 80 billion.
Addressing the sharp decline in tourists, Thaksin believes the fundamental problem is security. He noted that frequent telecommunications fraud and kidnappings undermine the sense of safety and suggested promoting the construction of "smart cities" by deploying AI monitoring systems in major cities to ensure tourist safety.
Facing external doubts about the government's ability to reform, Thaksin firmly stated, "We can't delay any longer! Reform must happen now." He revealed that he has conveyed these opinions to the current Prime Minister, his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra, emphasizing that this is a "national opportunity that cannot be missed."
