Bookmakers move to Myanmar for World Cup

Immigration search on the borders

CHIANG RAI: -- To escape the long arms of the Thai police, some boookmakers have set up shops in casinos in nearby Myanmar so that betting on this year's World Cup football matches, scheduled for June 9-July 9, can take place at a safe distance from Thailand's police drive to suppress gambling.

A senior Thai police officer Saturday said five Myanmar casinos are now offering hospitality to the Thai-run gambling operations.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Chamnong Kaewsiri, police chief of Thailand's northernmost province of Chiang Rai, said police here had been ordered to suppress gambling in relation to World Cup matches and to watch for bookmakers who may accept bets at local entertainment venues.

There are still many people interested in gambling in Chiang Rai, he said.

Immigration police at the province's Mae Sai and Chiang Saen Border Checkpoints would search every person leaving for the neighboring country, he said.

Cooperation is also sought from Myanmar police based in the border town of Ta Chi Lek to help suppress the illegal activity, he said.

World Cup football in Germany kicks off on June 9.

--TNA 2006-06-03

Bookmakers move to Myanmar for World Cup

Immigration search on the borders

CHIANG RAI: -- To escape the long arms of the Thai police, some boookmakers have set up shops in casinos in nearby Myanmar so that betting on this year's World Cup football matches, scheduled for June 9-July 9, can take place at a safe distance from Thailand's police drive to suppress gambling.

A senior Thai police officer Saturday said five Myanmar casinos are now offering hospitality to the Thai-run gambling operations.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Chamnong Kaewsiri, police chief of Thailand's northernmost province of Chiang Rai, said police here had been ordered to suppress gambling in relation to World Cup matches and to watch for bookmakers who may accept bets at local entertainment venues.

There are still many people interested in gambling in Chiang Rai, he said.

Immigration police at the province's Mae Sai and Chiang Saen Border Checkpoints would search every person leaving for the neighboring country, he said.

Cooperation is also sought from Myanmar police based in the border town of Ta Chi Lek to help suppress the illegal activity, he said.

World Cup football in Germany kicks off on June 9.

--TNA 2006-06-03

Pardon my ignorance, but if gambling is legal in Burma, how can the Royal Thai Police request the Burmese police to help suppress an activity which is legal in that country? Gambling, alcohol and sex. Ban them and we all know what happens.