BANGKOK - More than 100 disabled people on Wednesday morning gathered in front of the Government Lottery Office (GLO) on Ratchadamnoen road to protest against the planned online lottery.

Amnuay Klinyoo, chairman of the Disabled Lottery Traders Federation of Thailand, said the government should carry out more studies on the plan’s negative impacts and consequences.

Mr Amnuay said more people participation was also needed as the plan could have negative effect on the country in the long-term, particularly for disabled people who earn their living by selling lottery tickets.

Police advised motorists to avoid travelling to Ratchadamnoen road as the protesters were blocking two lanes of the road in front of the GLO building compound.

The cabinet has approved a plan for an online lottery proposed by the GLO after the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) concluded it would help reduce the problem of over pricing of lottery tickets.

The GLO board of directors, chaired by Customs Department director general Benja Luicharoen, was scheduled to meet on Wednesday at the GLO’s meeting room to discuss preparations for selling the online lottery.

The meeting venue has been changed to a meeting room at the Customs Department instead.

Photos by Apichart Jinakul