Bangkok: The Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHPF) is intensifying its campaign to mitigate the harmful effects of gambling, emphasizing the "Domino Effect 1:8," which illustrates that gambling impacts more than just the gamblers themselves. The foundation, along with the Anti-Gambling Foundation, is urging those with broadcasting rights for the World Cup to collaborate in reducing the gambling impact and to foster a safer environment for children, youth, and families.
According to Thai News Agency, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (THPF) and the Anti-Gambling Foundation recently organized a forum titled "When Football Gambling Harms Families, Who Can Save Them?" The forum aimed to shed light on the far-reaching consequences of football gambling that extend beyond financial loss, potentially leading to domestic violence and affecting children and families. The event served as a platform for discussing integrated collaboration between government entities and civil society to counteract and alleviate the long-term detrimental effects of gambling.
Mr. Thanakorn Komkrit, Secretary-General of the Foundation for Campaigning Against Gambling, shared insights on the connection between gambling and domestic violence, noting that patriarchal attitudes, coupled with economic strain and health issues, often underpin violent behavior. He highlighted a study from England showing a 25% increase in domestic violence linked to the English national team's participation in the 2018 World Cup. Mr. Thanakorn emphasized the "domino effect," where one person's gambling-related issues can negatively impact up to eight others, affecting spouses, children, and relatives.
The proposal advocates for governmental prioritization of gambling-related prevention and intervention strategies, recommending the establishment of counseling and rehabilitation services for affected individuals. It also calls for media outlets with broadcasting rights, such as JAS, TrueVisions, PPTV, AIS PLAY, and Thairath TV, to engage in promoting messages that discourage gambling, thereby preventing potential violence and family tragedies.
Ms. Supaporn Chomchai, a juvenile justice system development specialist, highlighted the adverse effects of football and online gambling on youth, encompassing physical, mental, educational, and familial dimensions. She stressed the importance of including gambling in the Risk and Needs Assessment (RandN) by the Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection to better address these issues through education, counseling, and legal literacy.
The forum also presented case studies illustrating gambling's destructive impact on families. One story, "The World Cup...My Dream and My Father's Transformation," narrated by Nichapa Leelertkit, detailed her father's descent into gambling addiction, which led to the family's financial and emotional ruin. Another case, "Domestic Violence from the 2026 World Cup...A Real Silent Threat!" shared by Khun Toey, depicted a woman's struggle with domestic abuse exacerbated by her husband's gambling losses.
Both cases underscore the profound societal impact of gambling, urging communities to create safe environments for victims and to facilitate their access to support and protection systems.