gambling
- 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…
- 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.…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Bets off: Jilted Thai man gambles on lawsuit after wedding deception
A Thai man is taking legal action against his ex-girlfriend, who tricked him into transferring 500,000 baht to fund her gambling, claiming the money was for their dream wedding. The victim, 38 year old Jaruwat, filed a complaint against his ex-girlfriend at the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB)‘s complaint centre today, October 3. Jaruwat said he was the victim of a…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- Politics News
Thailand’s entertainment bill faces opposition over complex plan
The Government of Thailand’s proposed entertainment complex bill has faced significant opposition from both the coalition Bhumjaithai and the opposition Democrat parties, with critics arguing that the potential drawbacks outweigh the benefits. Bhumjaithai Party Secretary-General Chaichanok Chidchob voiced the party’s objections after a coalition meeting yesterday, August 13, highlighting four main concerns. According to Chaichanok, the bill would not effectively…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Thai woman claims cops and dealer stacked the deck
A Thai gambler accused police of conspiring with a card dealer to cheat her out of 800,000 baht during a gambling raid at a house in the Lat Krabang district of Bangkok. The 37 year old gambler, May, hired a well-known lawyer, Ratchapon Sirisakhon, to seek justice for her. Accompanied by the lawyer, May came forward to expose the scam…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Gold shop worker in Samut Prakan caught stealing for gambling
A female employee at a gold shop in Samut Prakan has been caught stealing gold over several months to fund her online gambling habit. The shop owner, 48 year old Chak Kamol Tantarasmee reported the theft to the police at Samrong Tai Police Station, armed with CCTV footage as evidence. Chak noticed irregularities in his employee’s spending habits, which led…
- 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…
- Business News
Philippines intensifies illegal offshore gambling crackdown
The authorities in the Philippines have intensified efforts to shut down illegal offshore gambling operations amidst growing calls for a complete ban due to alleged connections to criminal syndicates. The country’s gaming regulator revealed approximately 250 to 300 offshore gambling firms are operating without a licence, a significant increase from the 46 legitimate operators. This information was disclosed by Alejandro…
- Thailand News
Triple odds: Thai gamblers back new three-digit lottery system
The Thai government’s decision to introduce a three-digit lottery ticket system gained traction among gamblers, who believe it could reduce illegal gambling. However, lottery ticket vendors are concerned about the potential impact on their sales and are considering selling fewer traditional lottery tickets. Following the Cabinet’s approval of a draft ministerial regulation to introduce three-digit lottery tickets, the Government Lottery…
- Thailand News
Cyber police nab key administrator of major gambling site in Thailand
Cyber police apprehended the key administrator of a major gambling site, slotking77, which had a financial turnover exceeding 180 million baht. The arrest occurred after the individual absconded following a bail release at the prosecutor level today. Phumipat Phattharasriwongchai, Commander of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau 5, along with Ukrit Srinitivorawong, Chief of News Analysis and Special Tools Division, led…
- Thailand News
Rocket near-miss with aircraft prompts safety concerns in Surin
Rocket fireworks narrowly missed an aircraft in Surin province on Sunday, prompting officials to urge pilots to navigate around them. The district chief denied the incident occurred in his area, highlighting a lack of clarity about the event’s location. Local reporters were alerted to illegal gambling activities at the Boon Bang Fai rocket festival behind a temple in Ban Jang…
- Thailand News
Thai govt rolls dice with integrated entertainment complex-casino
Thai Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat confirmed that the government-proposed integrated entertainment complex development will have a casino component that covers no more than 5% of the project area. This development project will not only comprise gambling venues and hotels but also other significant investment components. Julapun emphasised that the proportions per complex will be determined by the governmental entities…
- Business News
Thai Restaurant Association rolls dice with dream casino complex
An integrated entertainment complex, housing a casino, hotel, shopping mall, amusement park, and a variety of restaurants is sought by the Thai Restaurant Association. The association urged the Government of Thailand to consider constructing this innovative hub in a second-tier area, with the idea of promoting and selling local cuisine within the complex. Thai Restaurant Association President Thaniwan Kulmongkol stated…
- Thailand News
Thai PM says legal casinos will prevent illegal gambling
Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has come out in support of legalising casinos in the country, stating that the move would allow the government to properly control gambling and allow them to “collect taxes properly”. Under current law, gambling in the country is prohibited, except on state lotteries and government-backed horse races. Although online gambling is not explicitly covered by…
- Business News
Maybank’s bet: Thailand casinos could hit jackpot, boosting GDP
Maybank Securities, a unit of Malaysia-based Maybank, forecasts that the potential introduction of casinos in Thailand with gambling facilities could yield an annual revenue of 187 billion baht, equivalent to about 1% of Thailand’s gross domestic product (GDP). The forecast, based on an assessment carried out by Maybank’s gaming analyst and tourist arrivals in Thailand in 2019, anticipates the first complex to…
- Business News
AWC set to scoop jackpot from Thailand’s casino legalisation
Tisco Securities indicated that Asset World Corporation (AWC), a luxury hotel and retail centre operator, stands to gain significantly from the government’s plan to legitimise casinos within entertainment complexes. This move is part of the government’s strategy to attract high-spending tourists and curb revenue losses from illicit gambling. The government is contemplating the establishment of the first entertainment-casino complex in…
- Thailand News
Thai Stop Gambling Campaign criticises government’s plans
The general secretary of the Stop Gambling Campaign Foundation responded to a recent statement by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Tuesday regarding the potential establishment of an entertainment complex to address the issue of illicit gambling activities. The Thai PM had outlined plans for the Provincial Administration and National Security Departments to oversee the situation, acknowledging the existence of covert…
- Business News
Thai government stakes its future on casino complex amid pressure
The Government of Thailand is under pressure to review the specifics of the proposed casino and entertainment complex, aimed at boosting economic growth. According to Senator Sangsit Piriyarangsan, who has been investigating casino legalisation, the current plan requires adjustments. Sangsit argues that the bidding process for the casino complex project should not be exclusive to Thai companies. By enabling foreign…
- Thailand News
The state of casino gambling in Thailand: laws and reality
Millions of people are drawn to the excitement of gambling and bright lights in casinos in today’s world. The issue of casino gambling in Thailand is characterised by a difficult combination of legislation and cultural practices. In a country famous for tourism, why aren’t the gamblers being cater to, like Singapore, Macau or even Vegas? What lies beyond the law…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s casino odds looking up as House Committee wraps study
The potential of casino legalisation in Thailand took a significant step forward with the House Committee on casino legalisation concluding its comprehensive study on the matter. Senior figures from the Pheu Thai Party have revealed that the study’s findings will be presented to parliament in the coming week. The special House Committee, chaired by Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, completed…
