In fact, Chinese immigrants introduced lottery games to Thailand. Experts believe that King Rama V was the first to issue tickets and King Rama VI leveraged the lottery to form a stream of revenue for the government, which continues to use lottery funds to support public works today.
For centuries, Thailand citizens have enjoyed gambling. It’s an integral part of Thai culture and society. Local gambling has long been a feature of Thai society. Citizens participated in more than 100 gambling games over the years, including bullfighting, boat racing, and cockfighting, which were an important part of the history of Thai culture.
By the 19th century, the amount of gambling increased significantly due to foreign immigrants and traders introducing a variety of games to the mainstream. As the popularity of betting grew, the Thai government allowed legal gambling operations.
Under the rule of King Rama III, legal gambling dens served as a source of government revenue. However, as criminal activity infiltrated the legal gambling dens, the government decided to curtail gambling operations and forbid gaming venues in 1917. This decision marked the beginning of a long and strict prohibition on most forms of gambling in the country for Thai citizens.
In 1930, legislators passed the country’s first gambling act, which was revised in 1935. At the time Ministry of finance Khuang Aphaiwong fulfilled the governments mission for legalized gambling. Beginning in the Pran Buri District, Aphaiwong officially promoted gambling. However, at the time, the unpopularity of betting prompted public outcries and criticism from the media. As a result, legal casinos didn’t last long, and the government once again prohibited gambling.