Genuine Information To The Contrary

[konangrit]

Don't take my word for it, take Justice Minister Pongthep Thepkanchana's for it.

From the Bangkok Post, 12/06/2004:

Gamblers may face asset seizures

Revenue Dept to keep eye on bank accounts

BANGKOK: -- The government's crackdown on football betting is gathering momentum with the Justice Ministry threatening to enforce the anti-money laundering law against gamblers during Euro 2004 football tournament.

Justice Minister Pongthep Thepkanchana said football gamblers now faced the risk of having their assets seized under the anti-money laundering law.

Mr Pongthep expressed confidence that the measure would work _ especially with cooperation from the Revenue Department.

''The department will keep an eye on the movements of suspected bank accounts. We can definitely run checks on them, as we're working as a team,'' he said.

Mr Pongthep also noted that tax measures would be imposed on foreign bookmakers who operate on the Internet.

''They're legal, but they'll have to pay taxes under Thai law,'' he said.

The Juvenile Welfare Protection Police will enforce the child protection law to keep youngsters from gambling.

The division's action is prompted by various surveys which identify teenaged schoolboys as one of the most active gambling groups.

Division commander Pol Col Suras Udomrat said anyone encouraging children to gamble would face a three-month jail term and/or 30,000 baht fine.

Pol Col Suras said children that gambling would also be punished under the law.

The division has also launched a campaign to deter football gambling among youngsters at schools.

The target of its campaign is the 15 all-boy schools across the city.

Pol Maj-Gen Kosin Hinthao, chief of Crime Suppression Division, said the CSD was keeping a close watch on 100 suspected bookmakers nationwide.

High on the list were bookies operating in the Hat Yai district of Songkhla and the Sungai-kolok district of Narathiwat, who have connections with bookies in Malaysia and England.

''It's a large network that also includes some Bangkok-based bookmakers,'' he said.

The CSD commander said it was difficult to arrest these suspects as they conducted their business via telephone and the internet.

''The only way to get them, is to keep them under surveillance before taking any action,'' he said.

In addition, many local bookmakers will reportedly be conducting their business at casinos across the Cambodian border during the three-week tournament.

A Thai gambler, who identified himself as Winai, confirmed bookmakers were heading to the Cambodian town of Poi Pet, opposite the Aranyaprathet district of Sa Kaeo province.

''Their main customers are Thais back home. They do their business via ATMs,'' he said.

--The Post 2004-06-12

[Axel]

Great post. Actually, I did agree to have the gambling-post closed, but

L O L that you do follow the invitation:

Anybody who had genuine information to the contrary is welcome to post seperately.

[konangrit]

I understand why the original thread was closed and won't post anymore here on the subject. Would still be interested to know what the actual law I posted a link to on the previous thread states, though.

Chok dee,

Konangrit

[Ajarn]

Just another hair-brained trial balloon...Typical. Yawn.

Pol Maj-Gen Kosin Hinthao, chief of Crime Suppression Division, said the CSD was keeping a close watch on 100 suspected bookmakers nationwide.

It ain't so tough watching each other, and your friends. Funny how they say, "The authorities know who the________'s (criminal group of your choice)are, and we're keeping a close watch on them" so often, but I've NEVER seen them go past the watching stage.... Never ever...