Vajraphong defends Anutin's refusal to unlock snooker from the gambling list, reaffirming Bhumjaithai Party's stance against vice. He highlights gambling as the root of social problems, crime, and shadow capital, recalling the party's past opposition to casinos that led to the Ministry of Interior being seized.
On 18 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Vajraphong Kuwijitsuwan, MP for Saraburi from Bhumjaithai Party, addressed criticism of Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul by former Thai national snooker player and former People's Party MP candidate Attasit Mahitthi. Attasit lamented on Facebook the government's refusal to endorse a bill to amend the Gambling Act to remove snooker from the gambling list, proposed by Non Paisanlimjaroenkij, MP for Nonthaburi from the People's Party. Vajraphong clarified that Bhumjaithai and Anutin have consistently maintained a clear stance: they do not support expanding legalized gambling and uphold strict regulatory principles.
Vajraphong stated that Bhumjaithai views all forms of gambling as a key factor causing social problems, including crime, negative impacts on household financial stability, and risks to youth. Therefore, any policy or legislation related to gambling must be considered comprehensively, not solely focusing on the benefits for certain activities or operators.
Previously, while Anutin was Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Bhumjaithai clearly opposed the idea of opening casinos within Entertainment Complex projects. They doubted such measures could truly resolve underground gambling issues and were concerned about impacts on youth, education, and the state's benefit. At that time, this disagreement sparked political conflict, leading to demands to seize the Ministry of Interior and ultimately causing Bhumjaithai to withdraw from the coalition government, which halted the legislative push in parliament.
Vajraphong added that as Bhumjaithai returned to lead the government again, their position on gambling remains unchanged despite political shifts. Previously, when there was an attempt to deregulate poker cards or certain card types for sport and competition, Anutin exercised his authority to cancel such orders to prevent gambling expansion.
Similarly, regarding the recent proposal by People's Party MPs to remove snooker from the gambling list, Anutin upheld the same principle by not endorsing the bill, which is financial legislation. The government must consider overall impacts, including social issues, youth effects, crime, and the risk of interference by shadow capital groups.
"This is not about blocking the sport of snooker or those involved, but about setting boundaries to prevent activities related to gambling from expanding uncontrollably. Once the door is opened, the government must take responsibility not just for today but also for long-term social impacts," Vajraphong said.