Police seized claw grabber machines over fears the arcade games are encouraging gambling among youths in Thailand.

Footage shows officers confiscating the colourful crane machines stationed at the Chiang Kham Market in Phayao province on May 28.

District chief Rungthawee Kaewkhampha said they were following a directive from the Department of Provincial Administration to crack down on claw grabbers, which may be considered gambling equipment under Thai law.

He said: 'The purpose of the raid was to find who the real owners of these machines are. If the investigations find that they indeed are promoting gambling, then legal action will be taken immediately. Otherwise, the machines will be returned to them.'

Police chiefs across Thailand have been carrying out the bizarre crackdown as parents and teachers reportedly complained their children were squandering their allowance on the coin-operated machines. The crane games dispense colourful plush toys and are often found near schools and tourist areas.

Under Thailand's Gambling Act of 1935, claw grabbers may be considered gambling devices and require licenses from authorities. However, the low fines have failed to deter operators, who simply re-install them in places with high foot traffic.