June 12, 2008
Bangkok - The Department of Mental Health said the Euro 2008 could help reduce the political temperature for a certain period of time, warning people not be addicted to the football gambling.
Euro 2008 is the 13th edition of the UEFA European Football Championship jointly hosted by Austria and Switzerland.
The final is scheduled to take place at the Ernst Happel Stadion in Vienna on June 29.
Though the tournament would distract people’s attention from the heated politics, Thais were warned of gambling.
ML Somchai Chakrabhand, director-general of the Mental Health Department, said the gambling addiction could lead to other problems like debt, family and unemployment.
Thais are expected to bet more than 41 million baht on the Euro 2008, according to the Thai Farmers Research Center.
More than 750 people were arrested for illegal gambling during the 2006 World Cup.
