News Forum - Thailand’s ban on “claw” machines could be reversed after Chiang Mai ruling

[Thaiger]

The popular “claw” machines at arcades and malls, some filled with stuffed animals or toys, are actually banned in Thailand because, back in 2020, the Interior Ministry announced that the games of technique and chance were considered “gambling tools.” But the two-year ban could be reversed after a recent ruling in Chiang Mai. Earlier this month, the Chiang Mai public prosecutor dismissed a case filed against an arcade operator Family Amusement Co Ltd, dropping charges of “organised gambling” and “concealing illicit imported goods,” saying the “claw crane” machine considered vending machines, not “gambling tools.” In March 2021, police had arrested […]

The story Thailand’s ban on “claw” machines could be reversed after Chiang Mai ruling as seen on Thaiger News.

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[ExpatPattaya]

How is this headline news?  Are 8 year olds reading the Thaiger nowadays? 555

[HolyCowCm]

These things were everywhere and still easy to find and play. The machines disappeared and then reappeared and then moved around. I have to say that me and my kids with wife included do like to try our luck. Able to get a stuffed toy is about 50% of the time.

[SomeOtherGuy]

What is this prosecutor smoking? Show me a "vending machine" where I may, but also may not, get that Snickers bar or Coke Zero I purchased?

[Cabra]

Well someone forgot to inform mgmt at MBK in Bangkok because I was there last week playing with the claw machines as my girlfriend and I waited for our movie to start

[Sandbar]

All of a sudden the 'claw' has dropped. No it's not gambling..it's called having fun. Something Thailand doesn't know how to to do anymore!!

 

[AdvocatusDiaboli]

3 hours ago, Thaiger said:

saying the “claw crane” machine considered vending machines, not “gambling tools.”

So when the soft toy does not appear in the receptacle, people are allowed to tip it over as it did nod provide an product for cash inserted, as per what a vending machine does. Next, pokey machines will be called vending machines. 

[Guest1]

3 hours ago, Thaiger said:

the Interior Ministry announced that the games of technique and chance were considered “gambling tools.”

That is not "gambling". Watching them get excited at this machines is some kind of fun, so watched some people the other day, in Central Phuket. This "claws" (here!) are having a setup, to open almost every time the claw, just before the item is at the top position.  

Not to be misunderstood, I know that most items fell down, anyway. Wrong position of the claw. 

But in my observations, the claw grip was pretty solid, and the claw already opened, a bit before there was even the top position reached. Which is usually the moment, when lose items fall down. 

And I think that changed about a week or two after they allowed them to open again. 2 mechanics opened ALL machines in central and adjusted them! Probably they need to cover the month of no gamb..., eh, no clawing allowed?

[palooka]

3 hours ago, SomeOtherGuy said:

What is this prosecutor smoking? Show me a "vending machine" where I may, but also may not, get that Snickers bar or Coke Zero I purchased?

May or may not, win or not win, vending machines have always been a gamble.. 

[HiuMak]

14 hours ago, Thaiger said:

The popular “claw” machines at arcades and malls, some filled with stuffed animals or toys, are actually banned in Thailand because, back in 2020, the Interior Ministry announced that the games of technique and chance were considered “gambling tools.” But the two-year ban could be reversed after a recent ruling in Chiang Mai. Earlier this month, the Chiang Mai public prosecutor dismissed a case filed against an arcade operator Family Amusement Co Ltd, dropping charges of “organised gambling” and “concealing illicit imported goods,” saying the “claw crane” machine considered vending machines, not “gambling tools.” In March 2021, police had arrested […]

The story Thailand’s ban on “claw” machines could be reversed after Chiang Mai ruling as seen on Thaiger News.

Read the full story

And they talk about building a casino in Thailand

[Manu]

I am glad to see that Authorities (and the media) are tackling the biggest issues of this country.

[Notsodaft]

Don't you think they should have more important things to concentrate their energies on?