Voice-Only Gambling Promotion May Still Violate Thai Law

On September 20, the Parliament Information Bank Facebook page published legal guidance on whether promoting illegal gambling websites through voice alone—without appearing on camera—could escape liability. According to the Gambling Act, B.E. 2478, Section 12, anyone who organizes gambling, devises schemes, or directly or indirectly promotes, advertises, or entices others to participate in unlicensed gambling—or gambling conducted in violation of the law—commits an offense. The penalties vary depending on the type of gambling involved. For games listed in Category A (items 1 through 16) or lottery-style games in Category B (item 16), offenders face imprisonment of three months to three years and fines ranging from 500 to 5,000 baht. Players or participants, known as customers, face lighter sentences: up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 5,000 baht, or both. For other gambling violations, the sentence is imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of up to 2,000 baht, or both. Section 4 bis carries separate penalties of up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 1,000 baht, or both. Key takeaways include: even voice content risks legal liability if it advertises or promotes illegal gambling; promotional voice work—including website names, registration methods, bonuses, and free credits—must be carefully reviewed; those hired to provide voice work should verify that any gambling promotion complies with the law, as they may be held responsible under Section 12 of the Gambling Act; and appearing on camera is not necessary to incur liability, as voice content alone can violate the law.