Thai authorities have arrested well-known boxer Sutthiwat for promoting illegal gambling websites. This high-profile arrest has shed light on Thailand’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal online gambling activities and maintain strict law enforcement.

About the incident

The 30-year-old athlete, who has around 440,000 followers on social media, was caught promoting gambling links for $45 per post. This action falls under the Gambling Act of 1935, which prohibits unauthorised advertisements of gambling in the country. The incident is part of a broader nationwide crackdown on illegal gambling promotions, spearheaded by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD).

Sutthiwat’s arrest was a meticulously planned operation led by Police Lieutenant General Jiraphob Bhuridej and Police Major General Athip Pongsiwapai. A TCSD officer confirmed, “We’ve been actively monitoring online activities, and our efforts paid off in identifying this case.”

Once brought in for questioning, Sutthiwat confessed to the crime. He stated, “I am the owner of the social media page and was paid by the gambling website owner to post advertisements in my stories.” His confession confirmed his direct violation of Section 12 of the Gambling Act, which explicitly bans unauthorised gambling advertisements.

Thailand’s Gambling Act of 1935 is one of the strictest laws on gambling in Southeast Asia. Section 12 of this act makes it illegal to advertise or promote gambling without permission. The law applies both to physical and online platforms, making it challenging for illegal gambling activities to thrive.

Raising public awareness

Athletes like Sutthiwat are often seen as role models, especially in a sports-driven country like Thailand. When athletes are involved in illegal activities, it not only tarnishes their reputation but also has a broader negative impact on the sports industry. The arrest of Sutthiwat marks a major step in Thailand’s fight against illegal gambling.

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