PATTAYA, THAILAND – Police in Nongprue near Pattaya removed several claw machines classified as covert gambling devices during a targeted crackdown on illegal gaming.
Police raid in Khao Talo area
Under the command of Colonel Natthaphon Phongsukskul, head of Nongprue Police Station, officers inspected claw machines along Khao Talo Soi and nearby streets in the Nongprue subdistrict. Lieutenant Colonel Khamron Rodma and patrol officers were tasked with identifying machines where winnings depended heavily on chance, bringing them under Thailand’s Gambling Act.
Four machines seized as evidence
Officers seized four automatic claw machines placed in front of shops in Nongprue that police said would be treated as potential gambling devices. The confiscated machines included a “Doll Mart” unit in front of a laundromat at 178/6 Moo 10 and a “HAPPY Doll” machine outside a grocery store at 104/27 Moo 10.
A “WONDER LAND” machine at 244/165 Moo 6 and another “HAPPY Doll” unit in front of a Mini Big C outlet on Siam Country Club Road, 244/163 Moo 6, were also removed. All devices were transported away as evidence and were to be handed over to investigators to consider further legal action under the Gambling Act.
Legal basis and nationwide scrutiny
Claw machines came under increased scrutiny across Thailand in 2025, against the backdrop of the Gambling Act of 1935, which allows devices with a strong element of chance to be classified as gambling. According to investigators, there was a risk that players spent money without any guarantee of winning.
From the officers’ perspective, this risk could particularly encourage minors to play repeatedly.
“There is a risk that participants spend money without a guaranteed prize, which can especially tempt minors to keep playing,”
said investigators, according to police accounts.
Concerns over youth and public order
Officials pointed to growing concerns about risks to young people and unlicensed operations. Similar actions had already taken place in several provinces to reduce the availability of such machines.
The police in Nongprue stated they would maintain this course of action and continue measures to shut down disguised gambling and protect public order.
“The measures will be consistently continued to prevent covert gambling and safeguard public order,”
said the responsible authorities.
Further checks planned in busy areas
According to investigative sources, additional inspections were expected in the region. Future checks were set to focus particularly on busy locations such as shopping areas and residential neighborhoods.