"I am concerned that youths who gamble will harm their studies and their futures. I've never seen anyone get rich from gambling, except bookies," he

said.

Thaksin said it would be better if fans - especially youths - watched the games for fun or to appreciate the quality of play, not to gamble.

The government has taken serious action against bookies and criminal gangs, who authorities fear will commit crimes against debtors after the football festival, he said.

For his own part, the premier said he loved to cheer football games and his favourite team is England.

"Although I follow the football matches, I've never stayed up late so that it affected my work the following day," he said.

Meanwhile, the Education Ministry yesterday launched measures to prevent gambling among students.

The ministry said it would take action against any school that fails to monitor gambling among its students. Schools have been requested to compile lists of students who engage in gambling on football.