gambling
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Thailand News
Maid to misbehave: Cleaner caught red-handed in CCTV sting
In a crooked web of betrayal within the private confines of a family home, a Thai housemaid was arrested by police after her secret life of crime was laid bare by unforgiving lens of CCTV. Naphonthip “Kan” a 46 year old housemaid from Phitsanulok, faces charges of theft after swiping a fortune in gold and jewellery from her employer to…
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Crime News
Thai app Jagat banned for illegal gambling activities
The Jagat application has been deemed illegal by the Department of Provincial Administration, as it falls under gambling activities. Yesterday, February 1, Police Lieutenant General Trirong Phiwphan, Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), announced that the Bureau is coordinating with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) to block the app. Previously, Jagat gained popularity for enabling…
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Thailand News
Thailand denies mistreatment of jailed Chinese gambling tycoon
Thailand has refuted allegations of mistreatment against She Zhijiang, a jailed gambling tycoon facing extradition to China over charges of running illegal online gambling operations in Southeast Asia, said Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong. She, a Chinese Cambodian businessman, has claimed he experienced inhumane treatment in a Thai prison, including violence that has rendered him unable to stand. This claim was…
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Thailand News
Casino legalisation: A new opportunity for tourism in Thailand
Thailand is on an exciting yet possibly very controversial journey towards changing its tourism industry. The country is blessed with extraordinary beaches and enriching cultural sceneries. Long since it has been a popular destination for lovers of nature and tourism. Now the country is targeting a wealthier section of people with the desire to rejuvenate and experience luxury. This change…
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Thailand News
Thailand greenlights legal casinos to boost tourism and economy
In a game-changing move, the Thai Cabinet has given the nod to a draft bill that would legalise gambling and casinos, aiming to turbocharge tourism, job creation, and investment. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced the bold move today, January 13, heralding a new era for the country’s economy. Under the government’s ambitious plan, the legislation, soon to be debated in…
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Pattaya News
Pattaya poker face-off: Cops bust beachside card game
A clandestine poker game involving foreigners and Thai nationals in Pattaya was busted by police in a dramatic raid near Jomtien Beach. The illegal gambling operation, disguised as a beer bar, was exposed on Monday, January 6, after officers acted on a tip-off. Officers from the Chon Buri Immigration Police, led by Police Colonel Napassapong Kositsuriyamani, uncovered seven foreigners, including…
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Thailand News
Deputy PM rolls dice on Thaksin’s bold online gambling bet
Prasert Chantrawongthong, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, has weighed in on ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s bold proposal to legalise online gambling. The 74 year old former prime minister recently sparked controversy by suggesting that bringing online betting into the open could help tackle the widespread social issues associated with the industry. Known to be…
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Business News
Thailand has a unique approach to casino gaming and entertainment
Thailand, often called the “Land of Smiles,” is famous for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and bustling cities. However, when it comes to gambling, the country offers a unique twist. “Officially, gambling is heavily restricted in Thailand, with the exception of the national lottery and horse racing” said UK casino JeffBet. While traditional casinos are not legally permitted, the demand…
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Crime News
Thailand investigates ex-police chiefs over gambling corruption
Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has decided to investigate Torsak “Big Tor” Sukvimol, a former national police chief, over allegations of soliciting money from online gambling networks. Additionally, the NACC will gather more evidence regarding money laundering accusations against Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, a former deputy police chief. The NACC, represented by its Secretary General Saroj Puengrampan, announced that the…
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Crime News
Police in Bangkok arrest suspect, seize firearms in gambling case
Police in Nonthaburi apprehended a suspect linked to a notorious gambling website, seizing a cache of firearms and ammunition in the process. The arrest underscores ongoing efforts to bring the site’s elusive owner to justice, following a violent incident involving the website’s admin. Police moved swiftly to arrest 22 year old Natthaphong Kosasaeng, at a car park in Royal Mansion,…
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Thailand News
Oh, cock! Police arrest nearly 50 major cockfighting raid
Police in Nakhon Phanom arrested nearly 50 people involved in illegal cockfighting, following a tip-off about a large gathering of gamblers in a rural area. The operation, carried out by a team of over 30 officers, highlighted ongoing illegal gambling activities in the region. Officers swiftly moved to take action after receiving a complaint via the Damrongdhama Centre regarding an…
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Thailand News
Four million young Thais hooked on online gambling, experts warn
More than four million young Thais have been lured into the world of online gambling, a growing concern that experts warn could evolve into addiction, affecting their mental and physical health. This pressing issue was brought to light by Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon, director of the ThaiHealth Promotion Foundation, during the annual conference of the Centre for Gambling Studies (CGS) held recently…
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Thailand News
Gambling addict arrested for cash theft after disguising as monk
A young man addicted to gambling has been apprehended after stealing his relative’s ATM card and withdrawing nearly 500,000 baht until the account was empty. He used the money for gambling and later fled to become a monk, hoping for forgiveness. However, the relative reported the theft to the police, leading to his arrest yesterday, November 15. Phakphon Suchon, Head…
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Thailand News
Tourism and gambling: The influence of Thai and Australian casinos on global travel
Tourism plays a major role in countries like Thailand and Australia. Admittedly, it’s more significant for the former, but the latter has been able to benefit in the past from the amount of foreign travel to the country that has been experienced. According to a report by Reuters, Thailand broke its record for tourism numbers and revenues in 2019. That…
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Thailand News
Gambling software in Thailand: Exploring innovation and opportunity
Thailand’s gambling landscape is one of contrasts. On the one hand, gambling is strictly prohibited under Thai law, with exceptions made only for the national lottery and certain horse racing events. On the other hand, gambling is widespread, particularly in underground black-market venues. Many Thais continue to place bets illegally in person, often in makeshift casinos or through informal networks.…
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Thailand News
Bets on: Royal nod to 23 gambles, from bull races to mahjong chases
The Royal Gazette has published a ministerial regulation allowing 23 types of gambling activities within specific time frames, such as human-bull racing, boxing, wrestling, ring tossing, and mahjong. The report from today, October 11, details that the Royal Gazette has released Ministerial Regulation No. 46, permitting the following gambling activities within designated hours: human-bull racing from 7am to 7pm, boxing…
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Crime News
Lotto a trouble: Woman caught betting big on Facebook
Police apprehended a young woman for posting advertisements for Lao lottery sales on Facebook, with bets reaching 30,000 baht per draw. She forwarded these bets to a major bookie, earning a 20% commission over the past six months. Yesterday, October 2, police officials, led by Phumiphat Phattharasriwongchai, Bancha Srisuk, and Thapakorn Hanumart, executed a search warrant at a residence in…
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Thailand News
High stakes: Police spin wheel of justice at Chon Buri gambling den
Police raided a luxury resort in the Na Jomtien area of Chon Buri at the weekend uncovering a gambling operation and arresting 15 Thai gamblers at the scene. Officers from the Provincial Investigation Police Region 2 raided the luxury resort on Saturday, September 28, in the Sattahip district of Chon Buri and found 15 gamblers playing a popular Thai card…
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Thailand News
Pheu Thai Party bets on casino plan to cash in on tax revenue
The ruling Pheu Thai Party defended its proposed casino-entertainment complex project, asserting that it will legalise underground gambling activities and enable the government to collect tax revenue. A statement on Pheu Thai’s webpage released yesterday, September 22, indicated that legalising underground gambling and taxing the project could contribute more than 50% of GDP, thereby boosting the economy and funding education…
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Thailand News
Police crack down on illegal residents, gambling in Samut Prakan
Immigration officers in Samut Prakan recently conducted a sweeping crackdown on illegal foreign residents and unlawful gambling activities. The operation, which took place yesterday, September 1, was led by high-ranking officials including Police Lieutenant General Itthipol Itthisarnronnachai. Police targeted the area in Samrong Nua subdistrict, Mueang Samut Prakan district. The directive for this crackdown came from Police Major General Natthakorn…
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Pattaya News
Bang Lamung chief cracks down on gambling and drugs in Pattaya
Bang Lamung District Chief Wikit Manarojkij recently led a monthly meeting with village headmen and local leaders at the district office, the primary agenda focused on the stringent enforcement of policies against gambling and drug-related activities. Wikit underscored two crucial policies that require strict adherence: the ban on gambling and the crackdown on drug offences. He voiced concerns about unreported…
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Thailand News
Former boxer gets ‘knocked out’ by cops for online gambling
Police from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested a well-known former boxer for promoting online gambling websites. The arrest took place yesterday, August 8, with the boxer admitting to receiving 2,500 baht per post. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), in collaboration with the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), apprehended the former professional boxer and popular influencer, Thawon (surname withheld). He…
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Thailand News
What is the current state of Thailand’s casino legislation, and how likely is it to change in the near future?
Thailand stands on the brink of a potentially transformative shift in its approach to gambling. For many years, casinos have been completely banned in the country, reflecting a conservative stance deeply rooted in cultural and legal traditions. However, recent developments suggest that Thailand might be on the path to legalising and regulating casino operations, marking a significant departure from its…
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Thailand News
Thai gambling king seeks justice after assassination attempt in jail
An imprisoned Thai gambling king hired a lawyer to seek justice after a fellow inmate attempted to kill him inside Bang Kwang Central Prison near Bangkok. The lawyer, Withun Keng-ngan, disclosed details of the assassination attempt against Apirak “Po” Chat-arnon, also known as Sia Po, during an interview with Channel 3 on July 30. Withun and Sia Po’s family are…
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Thailand News
Thai border patrol seizes illegal online gambling equipment
The Thai police intercepted a significant haul of computer equipment allegedly intended for an online gambling operation, marking a crucial step in curbing illegal activities along the Thai border. Border patrol soldiers and police seized the equipment near the Myanmar border in Tak province. The cargo was reportedly en route to Aranyaprathet in Sa Kaeo province, a known hub for…
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Thailand News
Influencer arrested for promoting gambling on Facebook
Police have apprehended Nong Noey, the ex-wife of the well-known influencer Keng Lay Phrang, for promoting gambling websites. She was caught at her home in Nakhon Nayok, having advertised these sites on her widely-followed Facebook page. Police from the Region 1 Investigation Unit executed a search warrant issued by the Nakhon Nayok Provincial Court at a residence in Phrommani, Mueang…
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Pattaya News
Gamble gone wrong: Pattaya rescue foils truck-held hostage drama
A Chinese national was rescued by Pattaya police and immigration officers today after allegedly being abducted and held captive in a pickup truck by a fellow Chinese gambler over a football betting debt. This incident unfolded at 3am, today, June 28, in front of a Chinese restaurant on Pattaya Second Road. According to Fu, the Chinese national, the ordeal began…
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Thailand News
Surat Thani police crackdown on Euro 2024 illegal gambling
Surat Thani police chief launched an intensive crackdown on illegal gambling related to the Euro 2024 football tournament to ensure public safety and prevent citizens from falling victim to gambling activities. The event took place outside the Surat Thani Provincial Police Headquarters in Khun Thale, Mueang District. The provincial police commander, Police Major General Soempun Sirikong, led the operation, emphasising…
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Thailand News
Poker tournaments are becoming more popular in Thailand
Every day, more and more people in Thailand play live poker. A lot of expert poker players from Thailand are known all over the world. There are no specific rules against playing poker in a real-life setting, but it is against the law to bet on card games, which includes poker. The Thailand Gaming Act of 1935 says that dog…
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Thailand News
Thailand’s big gamble: Mega casinos set to hit the jackpot
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat announced that Thailand is on the brink of legalising large-scale entertainment complexes with casinos. The final draft of this ambitious bill is set to be ready for Cabinet deliberations within the next three to four weeks. Julapun revealed that 16 government agencies have already weighed in on the plan. “Their insights will be included as…