Thailand Cracks Down on Illegal Gambling, Targeting Over 4,000 LINE Accounts

[webfact]

 

Thai authorities are intensifying efforts against illegal online gambling by targeting more than 4,000 official LINE accounts linked to such activities. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) announced that users of these accounts could face criminal charges as part of a wider crackdown.

 

The ministry has requested LINE, Thailand’s most popular chat app with 54 million users, to shut down the flagged accounts. This move follows an extensive online surveillance operation conducted by the police and LINE Thailand from February 24 to August 9.

 

The crackdown aims to thwart gamblers from using LINE to promote links to illegal online gambling websites. Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong highlighted that the LINE app has become a favoured tool for gambling website operators to target potential customers.

 

"Apart from illegal online gambling, many official LINE accounts have also been exploited by other criminal groups, such as online scammers, to reach their prospective victims," Prasert said.

 

Out of the 4,136 accounts identified, 2,532 contained short videos advertising gambling websites. The remaining accounts served as access points to these illegal sites. Prasert stressed that these official accounts act as key communication channels between gambling organisers and their clients.

He also issued a stern warning to the public to avoid involvement in illegal gambling and online scams, emphasising the severe penalties that can result from such activities. Gamblers face up to three years in prison and/or a fine of up to 5,000 baht.

 

In related developments, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) recently apprehended a major figure in an online gambling network. The suspect had been evading capture for over a year and now faces charges of promoting illegal gambling and money laundering.

 

Additionally, cyber police arrested a 39-year-old man from Khao Chaison suspected of operating an online bullfighting gambling website. The man, who confessed to being the administrator of a Line group, was responsible for setting betting odds and streaming matches for group members.

 

This comprehensive crackdown on illegal online gambling underscores Thailand's commitment to tackling activities that threaten public welfare and the integrity of digital platforms. The authorities' proactive measures aim to safeguard internet users and maintain the credibility of popular communication tools like LINE.

 

Picture courtesy: MGR online

 

-- 2024-09-11
 

 

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[brianthainess]

Sorry if off subject, but I thought those machines with a grab crane to win a fluffy toy were banned, I guess I must be wrong as my local Big C has just installed about 10 of them.

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Thai authorities are intensifying efforts against illegal online gambling by targeting more than 4,000 official LINE accounts linked to such activities.

Well that's a good place to start.

[Sydebolle]

Legalize gambling, open casinos and you will have your tax income problem solved; easier, quicker and more transparent than trying to kill your golden-egg-laying-geese with worldwide taxation of 35%. 

The boys in brown will not like it, of course, as they will no longer be able to line their pockets and it might be even more ridiculous to arrest retirees playing bridge in a bridge club - as so happened some years back in Pattaya 😉 

 

[Will B Good]

 

 

 

Prepping for the casinos I guess…..greedy is as greedy does……the politicians and police with snouts in the trough don’t want any competition now they can ‘legally’ rape the country.

 

 

 

 

[BrandonJT]

11 hours ago, brianthainess said:

Sorry if off subject, but I thought those machines with a grab crane to win a fluffy toy were banned, I guess I must be wrong as my local Big C has just installed about 10 of them.

If you look at the machines, they all have a "price" listed on them for the toys.  You can go to the staff and purchase one of the toys for that price, or you can play the game.  The machine will not actually hold onto the item until you've put that much money into the machine.  After which the machine will let you play unlimited times until you win.  So you are not "gambling" you are paying the price listed for the item.  Which is usually very high.

[radiochaser]

....  My comment has been disappeared ....

Edited September 11 by radiochaser