VOICED : Horseracing a safe bet for gamblers in Buddhist Thailand

Horse racing in Thailand, introduced in the 19th century, remains a popular yet declining sport. Despite gambling being illegal, horse racing is exempt due to tradition and royal patronage. Thai-bred horses are unique, and the sport generates significant revenue. Jockeys face pressures from owners to fix races, impacting the sport's integrity. Although horse racing has lost ground to other sports, dedicated fans continue to support it.

When did horse racing first arrive in Thailand?

• In the 18th century

• In the 21st century

• In the 19th century

• In the 20th century

What is unique about the horses that race in Thailand?

• They are imported from other countries

• They are all Thai-bred

• They are all robotic

• They are all wild horses

What percentage of Thais are reported to gamble regularly?

• More than half

• Less than a quarter

• More than a third

• Exactly a quarter

What is a major challenge faced by jockeys in Thailand?

• Lack of training facilities

• Pressure from owners to fix races

• Lack of public interest

• High cost of equipment

Which sports have gained popularity over horse racing in recent years?

• Cricket and rugby

• Football and boxing

• Basketball and tennis

• Golf and swimming