"Ice Ratchanok" appeals to remove snooker from the gambling law, with "F Nakornnayok" promptly commenting.
On 23 March 2026, following "F Nakornnayok" or "Thepchaiya Un-Nooh" making history by defeating "Ronnie O'Sullivan" 10-7 frames to win the 2026 World Open, many parties have called for snooker to be removed from the gambling law.
Among them, Ice Ratchanok Srinok, a Member of Parliament, posted a call to remove snooker from the gambling law, stating, "Isn't it time we unlocked snooker from the gambling law to become a sport everyone can pursue professionally or play for entertainment?"
"Today in Thailand, we have another world snooker champion, but such a global sport is still locked under gambling laws in Thailand. It's probably time to seriously reconsider this sport's legal status in Thai law."
Then, Thepchaiya Un-Nooh commented, "Thank you, MP. FC."
Additionally, Piyabutr Saengkanokkul posted on X, saying, "With Thepchaiya winning this championship, I hope the House of Representatives and the Cabinet will use this opportunity to push for legal amendments to recognize snooker as a sport and remove it from gambling laws, so our beloved Thailand can have many more snooker players like Thepchaiya Un-Nooh."
Currently, snooker is still listed in Schedule B, item 23, at the end of the 1935 Gambling Act, meaning that even after 91 years and despite being a professional sport under the 2013 Professional Sports Promotion Act, the issue of snooker being classified as gambling remains.
Opening a snooker table requires permission from officials.
Without a license, police have the authority to arrest immediately.
With a license, play is allowed but under conditions such as opening hours and age restrictions for players.