When new years hit so did more than 100 gamblers to an illegal casino. It was because of this that these players made it to a local police station. They did this after they had raided an illegal casino in the early hours at the end of 2005.
The media reported police arrested around 108 - 119 gamblers, and took about $50,000 (2 Million Baht). The casino is located in a North Bangkok suburb. It was the same casino that made headlines in June for the arrest of 353 gamblers, and the confiscation of 56 Million Baht.
Police would like to request a stronger penalty for the casino owner, because he already had a charge against him. This is not the first time, so police want to make sure it is the last time. Many Bangkok gamblers have in the past gone to Poipet, Cambodia, not far from the suburb, where there are legal casinos.
Thailand has not legalized casinos, but there are several legal ones in neighboring Cambodia and Myanmar (Burma), which Thai gamblers visit often. Since sometimes that means more than a day of traveling, some illegal gambling places remain in Bangkok. This is a main problem, which isn’t getting fixed anytime soon. |
