gambling

  • Business NewsMaybank’s bet: Thailand casinos could hit jackpot, boosting GDP

    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 NewsAWC set to scoop jackpot from Thailand’s casino legalisation

    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 NewsThai Stop Gambling Campaign criticises government’s plans

    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 NewsThai government stakes its future on casino complex amid pressure

    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 NewsThe state of casino gambling in Thailand: laws and reality

    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 NewsThailand’s casino odds looking up as House Committee wraps study

    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…

  • Bangkok NewsPoker tournaments gain popularity in Bangkok

    Poker tournaments gain popularity in Bangkok

    Despite gambling being illegal across Thailand, Bangkok is increasingly considered as a world hub for professionals earning enough income and living the good (that is, relatively cheap) life. Like digital nomads or other online entrepreneurs, poker professionals continue to settle in Bangkok and other coastal cities for the exact same reasons. According to media reports from 2022, moving to Thailand…

  • Thailand NewsHigh-profile online gambling case sees 8 police officers reassigned

    High-profile online gambling case sees 8 police officers reassigned

    A high-profile online gambling case involving Suchanun Minnie Sucharitchinsri has led to the temporary reassignment of eight linked officers. National Police Chief Torsak Sukvimol sanctioned the move to prevent any potential interference with the ongoing investigation. A spokesman for the police, Siriwat Deepo revealed that the order for the transfer was signed by Torsak yesterday, February 24. The transferred officers…

  • Thailand NewsFirst challenge in 89 years to snooker’s gambling status in Thailand

    First challenge in 89 years to snooker’s gambling status in Thailand

    The status of snooker as a Class B gambling game is set to be challenged for the first time in 89 years, as an agreement has been reached to propose its cancellation to the interior minister. This initiative has garnered support from the Billiard Sports Association of Thailand, the Interior Ministry, the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), and the House…

  • Thailand NewsRussian roulette: Five nabbed in Phuket villa for illegal gambling and shisha stash

    Russian roulette: Five nabbed in Phuket villa for illegal gambling and shisha stash

    Officers from the Investigation Division of the Provincial Police Region 8 and Chalong Police Station yesterday arrested five Russian nationals for illegal gambling and the illicit possession of water pipes for shisha smoking at a luxury villa in the Rawai sub-district of Phuket. Officers received a tip-off that a group of foreigners turned a lavish accommodation in Soi Salika in…

  • Thailand NewsThai influencer Sebow faces charges for promoting online gambling

    Thai influencer Sebow faces charges for promoting online gambling

    The Thai Police Technology Crime Suppression Division 2 (TCSD), based in Thong Thani, questioned a popular 24 year old social media influencer, who confessed to promoting online gambling sites. Today the influencer, Sebow, who has more than 400,000 followers on her Facebook page, reported to Lieutenant Colonel Nipon Boonkeert, the head of TCSD 2, to provide testimony and acknowledge the…

  • Crime NewsSports influencer faces charges for promoting online gambling in Thailand

    Sports influencer faces charges for promoting online gambling in Thailand

    A prominent sports influencer faced criminal charges today over allegations of promoting online gambling on their Facebook page. They confessed, citing high earnings and significant expenses as their reasons. The influencer, a popular figure in the sports industry, was summoned today by the Technology Crime Investigation Bureau (SOT). They were accused of posting messages encouraging online gambling, which they confessed…

  • Thailand NewsChiang Mai: DSI arrests woman in high-profile online gambling case

    Chiang Mai: DSI arrests woman in high-profile online gambling case

    The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) arrested a woman in connection with a high-profile online gambling case. The DSI today targeted a skincare clinic in the heart of Chiang Mai and apprehended Sasithon (surname withheld), who is linked with the bank account advertised on the online gambling website of the renowned AK47XXX network. The AK47XXX network is owned by the…

  • Thailand NewsHigh-stakes takedown: DSI nabs UFA’s online gambling kingpin in Thailand

    High-stakes takedown: DSI nabs UFA’s online gambling kingpin in Thailand

    The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) arrested gambling kingpin Pakapoom, a top executive of one of the three largest online gambling networks in Thailand, UFA. At just 29 years old, Pakapoom managed over 80 accounts, circulating more than 10 billion baht. The arrest was announced yesterday by Suraya Singhamon, the DSI Director. Pakapoom, also known as Diddy, was found to…

  • Thailand NewsOwn goal: Chiang Mai authorities tackle covert football betting operation

    Own goal: Chiang Mai authorities tackle covert football betting operation

    A covert football betting operation was raided in Chiang Mai, with police seizing betting slips, cash, and computers. The operation was discovered in a nondescript terraced building near Tonpao Plaza, Tonpao subdistrict, San Kamphaeng district. One suspect was apprehended, who had a previous criminal record for the same offence. The raid on the illegal operation was led by the special…

  • Thailand NewsAccused gambling MP sits on Anti-Corruption Committee, claims Thai Patriots Network leader

    Accused gambling MP sits on Anti-Corruption Committee, claims Thai Patriots Network leader

    Srisuwan Janya, the leader of the Thai Patriots Network, revealed that a member of Ratchaburi’s House of Representatives, previously accused of gambling in a viral video, sits on the Anti-Corruption Committee. This is a committee that is highly contested, especially when the individual was a member of the Blue Party during his tenure as a Ratchaburi representative. Despite the selection…

  • Thailand NewsGambling addiction fuels debt crisis among Thai manual labourers

    Gambling addiction fuels debt crisis among Thai manual labourers

    The escalating gambling addiction among manual labourers is primarily fuelled by socio-economic challenges rather than personal enthusiasm for betting, according to social workers. Government agencies and NGOs alike are endeavouring to counteract this trend by offering rehabilitative intervention programmes. Pattamaporn Sooksomsod, an associate professor from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajabhat University, identified the root factor of such gambling addiction as…

  • Crime NewsCyber police summon 2 Thai influencers in crackdown on gambling promotion

    Cyber police summon 2 Thai influencers in crackdown on gambling promotion

    The Thai Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) summoned two notable Thai influencers who have been connected with illegal online gambling. According to reports today, Police Lieutenant General Vorawat Watnakrobunsa, from the CCIB ordered a probing of different social media platforms for evidence of illicit online gambling. Initial findings revealed that some influencers have been using their high follower counts to…

  • Crime NewsLamphun FC President arrested over alleged gambling, money laundering links

    Lamphun FC President arrested over alleged gambling, money laundering links

    Lamphun Warriors Football Club president has been apprehended in connection to a major gambling and money laundering network. The suspect, known as Boss Tal, was captured in Phayao province by authorities. Pol. Lt. Gen. Roy Inkapiroj, Deputy Police Chief and Director of the Center for Combating Cybercrime (PCT), yesterday announced the arrest of Phongsiri (Boss Tal). The suspect was charged…

  • Crime NewsYoung woman murdered by gambling-addicted ex-boyfriend, father shares harrowing ordeal

    Young woman murdered by gambling-addicted ex-boyfriend, father shares harrowing ordeal

    Another perspective on the tragic murder case of a young woman, 23 years old, shot dead by her enraged ex-boyfriend, has emerged. The victim’s father revealed details of how the family desperately sought help and tried to rescue their daughter before her untimely demise. The attacker, Channarong, 35 years old, is now in police custody. The incident took place in…

  • Thailand NewsInspector Sua’s gambling network busted

    Inspector Sua’s gambling network busted

    A three-day operation targeting a criminal network allegedly connected to a former officer known as “Inspector Sua” has resulted in the arrest of 30 individuals. Law enforcement agencies conducted raids on 39 locations throughout Thailand, detaining suspects on charges of operating a secret organisation, gambling operations, and money laundering collusion. National Police Chief, Pol. Gen. Damrongsak Kittiprapas revealed that significant…

  • Crime NewsTattooed Thai gangster-turned-influencer Keng Laiprang sentenced to prison

    Tattooed Thai gangster-turned-influencer Keng Laiprang sentenced to prison

    UPDATE Thai gangster-turned-star Panya Yimumphai – better known as Keng Laiprang – was sentenced to 10 months and 40 days in prison yesterday for persuading his followers to gamble online in a TikTok clip. At 10am, police escorted 41 year old Keng Laiprang to Don Mueang District Court to face trial for the charge of “persuading others, directly or indirectly,…

  • Crime NewsTattooed Thai gangster-turned-movie star arrested on gambling charges

    Tattooed Thai gangster-turned-movie star arrested on gambling charges

    Thai gangster-turned-actor Panya Yimumphai – famous for his role in ‘A Prayer Before Dawn’ – was arrested on gambling charges at a house in Pathum Thani, just north of Bangkok, on Monday. Thailand’s Cyber Police raided the property after Panya, better known for his gang name Keng Laiprang (“Keng Camouflage”), posted a TikTok clip inviting his followers to gamble on…

  • Crime NewsPhuket police arrest 15 gamblers in underground casino at abandoned mall

    Phuket police arrest 15 gamblers in underground casino at abandoned mall

    In Phuket Town, an underground casino located in the basement of an abandoned shopping centre has been raided by police, resulting in the arrest of 15 gamblers. Officers executed the raid on Tilok-U-Thit 1 Road at approximately 10:50pm after receiving a tip-off about illegal gambling activities taking place beneath a snooker venue operating at street level. Upon entering the premises,…

  • World NewsChinese man kidnaps own granddaughter and demands ransom, shocking the nation

    Chinese man kidnaps own granddaughter and demands ransom, shocking the nation

    A shocking incident has left the entire Chinese populace reeling as a 65 year old man committed a heinous crime by kidnapping his granddaughter, threatening to kill her and demanding a ransom of more than 500,000 yuan (approximately 2.5 million baht). According to reports from local media, the retired government official, known as Yuansai, was heavily involved in gambling and…

  • Business NewsMGM Resorts set sights on Thailand that could help attract more tourists

    MGM Resorts set sights on Thailand that could help attract more tourists

    Thailand, which has notoriously steered away from gambling, has started to make moves towards legalising casinos – with the hope that it could put them up there with other famous gambling destinations and attract more tourists to the country. In the past few months, lawmakers in the country have approved a report, meaning that there is a very real possibility…

  • World NewsFake cop repeatedly scams people in central Thailand, gambles the dirty money away in Cambodia

    Fake cop repeatedly scams people in central Thailand, gambles the dirty money away in Cambodia

    A Thai man posing as a police officer has been arrested in Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya province. The fake cop used his uniform to appear trustworthy but was in fact scamming people all over central Thailand. The “policeman” said he took the dirty money to gamble in Poipet, Cambodia, and would return to scam people again after gambling it all…

  • Crime NewsPolice say key suspect in macau888 case fled Thailand last month

    Police say key suspect in macau888 case fled Thailand last month

    Police say that a key suspect in the Macau888 gambling network case fled Thailand last month, along with his girlfriend. The suspect, 32 year old Kittipong ‘Big’ Kajornboonthavorn, is the younger brother of alleged macau888 gambling kingpin ‘Benz Daeman.’ Benz was finally arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport upon his return to Thailand on February 14. According to the head of the Cybercrime…

  • Thailand NewsThailand to resume cockfights and other animal sports, gambling allowed

    Thailand to resume cockfights and other animal sports, gambling allowed

    Thailand is resuming cockfighting and other animal fights, with gambling allowed under strict conditions, the Ministry of Interior announced on Friday. Secretary of the Ministry of Interior Suttipong Junjaroen officially announced that cockfighting, horse racing, Siamese fighting fish battles, bullfighting and cow racing may all resume now that the pandemic has subsided. Betting will be permitted under strict conditions, so long as…

  • Crime NewsThai Cyber Police nab 3 more suspects in macau888 case

    Thai Cyber Police nab 3 more suspects in macau888 case

    Thai Cyber Police nabbed three more suspects in the case involving the macau888 gambling network. Officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) raided two spots in Bangkok, and one in the northeast province of Sakhon Nakhon, Thai PBS reported yesterday. Police found two women in a room of a condominium in Bangkok’s Phahonyothin area. One of the women was…