Two And Three-digit Lottery To Be Suspended Next Month

[george]

Two and three-digit lottery to be suspended next month

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pridiyathorn Devakula said the two and three-digit lottery would be suspended for two draws in December due to legal problem.

Pridiyathorn said the two and three-digit lottery for the Dec 1 and Dec 16 draws would be suspended and would resume for the Jan 1 draw after the Finance Ministry has clear legal technicality regarding the lottery.

-- The Nation 2006-11-17

[Jai Dee]

DPM M.R. Pridiyathorn submitted evidence showing irregularities in the approval of the lottery distribution

Former President of the National Human Rights Commission, Mr. Suwaroj Palang (สุวโรช พะลัง), has submitted documents requesting for prosecution against wrongdoers involved in the distribution of 2-3 digits of legal lottery as well as demanding relevant units to distribute part of the revenue to rural areas.

Mr. Suwaroj has handed Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister M.R. Pridiyathorn Devakula (ปรีดิยาธร เทวกุล) evidence showing irregularities in the approval of the lottery distribution as the action is against the government's lottery Act.

The approval of the distribution was made by the Cabinet under the administration of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

At the same time, Mr Suwaroj has demanded part of the 15,000 million baht generated from the sale of lottery be channeled to rural areas of the country.

He believes that the distribution of the 2-3 digits of lottery should be cancelled.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

Thailand Association of the Blind wants govt to abolish the 2-and 3-digit national lotteries

Thailand Association of the Blind along with 50 disabled people gathered at the Government House, demanding the government to abolish the two-and three-digit national lotteries and the lottery automatic teller machine.

Mr. Somchai Panakewong (สมชาย ปันเอกวงศ์), the President Advisor of Thailand Association of the Blind, and about 50 disabled people travelled to the Government House to submit a document to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont. They would like the government to issue measures to help out those who have been affected from the lottery issue. For instance, new fitting careers will be provided to former national lottery distributors, and stringent means will be implemented to prevent the resurgence of underground lottery. Mr. Somchai said these measures would bring about development and transparency to the country once again.

Army Lieutenant Thawit Suphawan, the head of the public relations coordinating division, received the document from Thailand Association of the Blind for further consideration.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 November 2006

[bdenner]

This will surely encourage the black market lottery to reimerge if it becomes a perminant thing.

[Sandstone Art]

This will surely encourage the black market lottery to reimerge if it becomes a perminant thing.

Sometimes, it is fun to have 'black market' around us. Give them at least a chance to make a come back If not, they will be driven 'underground'

[Jai Dee]

Pridiyathorn insists two and three-digit lottery will not be cancelled

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pridiyathorn Devakula said the Cabinet will Tuesday be asked to approve a bill to legalise the two and three-digit lottery.

The bill will then be sent to the National Legislative Assembly for enactment to provide legal basis for the lottery, he said.

He said the two and three-digit lottery could not be cancelled because doing so would revive underground lottery nationwide, bringing about other problems.

He said the two and three-digit lottery will be suspended in December pending the enactment of the bill by the NLA.

Source: The Nation - 21 November 2006

[cclub75]

Another great achievement, and swift action, from our Enlighten Government :

-Lottery

It comes after booze ban and coyotees.

Amazing, huh ?

And I guess they have worked on this issue a very long time : the lottery is "suspended" in december, time for them to make it "legal" via a legislative process and then start again...

That's a real and great political decision.

Bravo.

[Buckwheat]

This will surely encourage the black market lottery to reimerge if it becomes a perminant thing.

Believe me, it never went away.

[Jai Dee]

Pridiyathorn called for the cabinet to amend lottery law

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance called for the cabinet to amend the 2-3 digits lottery law.

M.R.Pridiyathorn Devakula, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, said in the cabinet meeting today (November, 21) that it will consider amendment to the 1974 Government Lottery Act to pave way for the legal distribution of the 2-3 digits lottery. If the cabinet approves the amendment, it will submit the issue to the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) meeting. The minister said if the government prohibits the 2-3 digits lottery, the illegal lottery operation will return and cause a lot more problems.

In response to the suggestion of Justice Permanent Secretary Jarun Pukditanakul (จรัญ ภักดีธนากุล) that the government lottery should be drawn once a month, M.R. Pridiyathorn said he did not agree with this idea as it would revive the illegal lottery operation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

NLA members objects government to legalize lotteries

National Legislative Assembly (NLA) member Wallop Tangkananurak has expressed his disagreement on the government’s decision to urgently propose the amended Government Lottery Office Act to the NLA. The amendment will legalize the two-and three-digit national lotteries. He disagrees with the government for trying to legalize the national lottery in order to prevent the re-emergence of underground lottery.

Mr. Wallop said the government should amend the laws relating to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) so the charges against the host of underground lottery gamble will be increased. In addition, he reiterated that he will make an objection if the government rushes the NLA to consider the law for three straight periods.

Meanwhile, another NLA member Kotom Areeya has suggested the government to carefully listen to the thoughts of the public before considering the issue.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

PMs Office Minister Prasit commented on the two-and three-digit national lotteries

Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office Prasit Kowilaikul spoke about the news that the Cabinet is preparing to charge Pol. Lt. Col Thaksin Shinawatra-led government for granting the two-and three-digit national lotteries. He said he has not been assigned by Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont to be directly responsible in this matter, but he only knew such report from the newspapers.

Mr. Prasit also said the officials are compiling the lottery information and will deliver it to the Office of the Council of State. Once the office has received the information, he will reveal it to the public.

Moreover, the Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office spoke about some of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) members who disagree with the amended Anti-Money Laundering Office Act. He said it is their personal opinions, but the facts should abide by the law, and he has declared his intention to explain the issue to the NLA members.

In addition, Mr. Prasit has refused to express his opinion on the government’s decision to legalize the two-and three-digit national lotteries as it is not his responsibility to decide.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

NLA agrees w/ Cabinet in legalizing 2-and3-digit national lotteries

The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) agrees with the Cabinet’s resolution to go legalize the two-and three-digit national lotteries to prevent the underground lottery from re-emerging.

NLA member Sangsit Piriyarangsan said the government should also be more cautious by studying the beneficial and detrimental factors of the plan to extend the time to announce the rewards. He said it is a good thing for the government to propose the amended Government Lottery Office Act to the NLA next week because the officials would receive more ideas and suggestions on this issue. At the same time, educational institutions should help gather the opinions of the general public for further consideration.

Mr. Sangsit added that the government should give out high rewards to the winner of the legal lottery games because it can help prevent the underground lottery from staging a comeback.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

Police to comprehensively eliminate underground lottery

The Commander of Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Police Station, Pol. Maj. Gen. Sudjai Yanrat, has assigned local police officials to arrest all underground lottery operators on the lottery draw dates of the 1st and the 16th of December.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Sudjai has ordered police to thoroughly eliminate all illegal lottery activities for next month because he expects that there would be more underground lottery movements after the government has a resolution to stop the legal lottery.

Starting December 1st onwards, the performance of all police stations in Nakhon Ratchasima will be assessed to ensure that they have dealt with the underground lottery operators effectively. Police stations that perform under standard will be called for a meeting so that they can improve their performance.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Sudjai stated that all sides will have to work together in suppressing the underground lottery, not only the police.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

AEC may call off the investigation on national lottery

The Assets Examination Committee (AEC) subcommittee, Mr. Udom Fuangfung, admitted that the AEC may halt its investigation if the legalization of the national lottery has been issued because the committee could not charge the involved people in the past.

Mr. Udom, the chairman of the subcommittee for inspecting the two-and three-digit national lotteries, said Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pridiyathorn Devakula has submitted a document, asking for the AEC to prosecute the people who allow the national lottery to be played. At the same time, the government is pushing forward to legalize the national lottery. Mr. Udom conceded that the AEC is confused of what to do on this issue, and said he will have to wait for the AEC’s resolution before asking the government to clarify it.

He said it is possible that the AEC may have to call off this investigation since no one will be found guilty.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

Permanent Secretary of Justice concerned over amendment to 2-3 digit lotteries

Justice Permanent Secretary Jarun Pukditanakul (จรัญ ภักดีธนากุล) disclosed that he had invited Udom Fuangfung (อุดม เฟื่องฟุ้ง), chairman of a subcommittee inspecting the distribution of 2-3 digit lotteries, to discuss the amendment to the Government Lottery Office Act. He had asked Mr Udom whether the legalization of the 2-3 digit lotteries would be considered as an amnesty to those authorized them. A conclusion on the issue has not reached yet.

The judiciary has no mandate to interfere with the Council of the State’s resolution on the 2-3 digit lotteries. However, the issue will be settled at the Court of Justice no matter what kind of resolution the Council of the State reaches.

At the same time Mr Udom said today he is going to invite Chuan Leekpai (ชวน หลีกภัย), the former prime minister, to the Office of the Auditor General to give information about the authorization of lotteries and the land purchase deal of Khunying Potjaman Shinawatra (คุณหญิงพจมาน ชินวัตร)

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

'Charge Thaksin, his Cabinet'

Pridiyathorn recommends criminal charges be laid for bypassing 1974 Act

Criminal charges should be brought against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, members of his Cabinet, plus senior Finance and lottery officials for illegally introducing the two- and three-digit lotteries, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula recommended yesterday.

Speaking at a press conference, Pridiyathorn said he had submitted recommendations to the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) and Assets Examination Committee (AEC) that those involved in approving the lotteries had committed a criminal act and overstepped their jurisdictions.

Pridiyathorn said the Finance Ministry's move was based on a Council of State ruling on Nov 16 that the Thaksin Cabinet violated Article 157 of the Government Lottery Act of 1974 by introducing two- and three-digit lottery in 2003 simply via a Cabinet resolution.

This has prompted the Surayud government to suspend the two- and three-digit lotteries, pending full legislative support for such operations.

Pridiyathorn has come under pressure to bring criminal charges against Thaksin and those involved in the approval of the two- and three-digit lotteries without any legislative support.

The Thaksin government introduced the two- and three-digit lotteries through a Cabinet resolution in 2003, in a bid to undermine the hugely popular underground lottery and to raise additional revenue.

Tomorrow, the Surayud government is scheduled to create a proper legislative framework for the two- and three-digit lotteries by introducing an amendment to the Government Lottery Act 1974.

However, Prasong Soonsiri, one of the members of the National Legislative Assembly, warned that the Surayud government should not move too quickly to legalise the two- and three-digit lotteries because doing so would nullify the wrong-doings of Thaksin and his associates.

So far, the government has earned Bt28.6 billion - or about Bt350-Bt400 million per issue - from the two lotteries.

The scandal has become a test case for Thailand's rule of law because the Thaksin government deliberately by-passed the legislative process.

Pridiyathorn has now recommended the two anti-graft agencies take legal action against the three groups of people involved in approving the lotteries.

His "opponents" in Parliament, such as Lt Gen Chamlong Srimuang and Prasong, threatened to hold Pridiyathorn responsible for failing to cancel the two- and three-digit lotteries outright since they were ruled illegal.

Those involved in the scandal have been divided into three groups, which look set to face criminal charges.

The first group includes the former director general of the Government Lottery Office (GLO) Chaiwat Pasokpackdee and the GLO board that approved the lotteries in 2003.

The second group consists of former permanent secretary for finance Somchainuk Engtrakool, former deputy finance minister Varathep Ratanakorn and former finance minister Suchart Jaovisidha.

And the third group consists of former Prime Minster Thaksin Shinawatra and his cabinet members for approving the two- and three-digit lotteries in violation of the Government Lottery Act 1974.

Pridiyathorn said he had forwarded the matter to the AEC and the NCCC because these two agencies had broader jurisdiction than the Finance Ministry.

Earlier, the interim government was sharply criticised for failing to take immediate action against those responsible for introducing the two- and three-digit lotteries, after the Council of State's ruling.

After hearning the news yesterday, Suchart told The Nation, he was not directly responsible for the GLO actions.

"Varathep and Prime Minister Thaksin were directly in charge of the two- and three-digit lotteries. I only signed the ministry's proposal to the Cabinet," he said.

He said society had agreed with the cabinet's decision at the time because people wanted to get rid of the underground lottery and raise the money for educational scholarships.

As for Pridiyathorn's charge that the previous government failed to put proceeds from the lotteries into the Finance Ministry's coffers, Suchart said Varathep and the former prime minister should have all the details.

Varathep said that two- and three-digit lotteries were an idea of the GLO, which asked the Finance Ministry to put the proposal to the Cabinet. The GLO assured the process would be legal and not against the law, he said.

However, he said was ready to testify to the AEC and the NCCC.

Chaiwat, the former director general of the GLO, said he acted according to the opinion of the GLO board in introducing the two- and three-digit lotteries. At the time, people liked the idea, which was also supported by a public hearing, because it would help get rid of the underground lottery.

"I believed then that the two- and three-digit lotteries could be issued because it was like other charity lotteries issued by other government agencies for charity purposes," he said.

Source: The Nation - 28 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

Two-three digit lottery dealers request for permission to sell again year end

The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) will look into the government lottery Act this afternoon. Meanwhile several two-three digit lottery dealers have gathered in front of the Parliament to request for the permission to resume their lottery business starting from December 30th. They have been protesting against the suspension of two-three digit lotteries.

NLA meeting will convene at 13.30 hours today. The highlight of the meeting is expected to focus on the drafting of the government lottery Act.

At the same time, the disabled groups whose main career largely depend on lottery business, have also traveled to the Parliament to oppose against the usage of online lottery selling machines as they claimed that the machines have caused their revenues to drop.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

NLA to consider Government Lottery Act this afternoon, while demonstrators are gathering in front of Parliament

The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) will begin its meeting today at 13:30 hours, and the main agenda will be the consideration on the Government Lottery Act, which has been proposed by the Cabinet.

Meanwhile, representatives of two-and three-digit lotteries’ distributors are gathering in front of the Parliament, demanding the government to legalize the national lottery, starting from December 30th. Earlier, the government has postponed the distribution of national lottery on December 1st and 16th. The representatives said this legalization would prevent the illegal lottery from staging a comeback.

At the same time, a group of disabled people who used to sell the national lottery are also gathering in front of the Parliament to voice their stance against the Government Lottery Act and the online-lottery machines. They believe that the machines would obstruct their earnings.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

Banharn : ministers involved in the authorization of two-three digit lottery should be punished

Banharn Silpa-archa (บรรหาร ศิลปอาชา), Chart Thai Leader, said he believes that actual ministers involved in the authorization of two-three digit lottery should be punished.

In regards to the National Legislative Assembly (NLA)’s meeting concerning the drafting of the government lottery Act, he believes that NLA meeting should listen to the majority of the people before stamping a conclusion on it.

He said that the last government’s approval of the two-three digit lottery was a mistake. He said that there is no need to interrogate the previous Cabinet ministers as it may delay the progress of the case.

He suggested that only ministers who have direct connection to the case, including ministers related to Finance Ministry and Government Lottery Office should be investigated.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

PM will not press NLA to approve GLO amendment draft

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont affirmed that the government listens to opinions from all sides on the amendment draft of the Government Lottery Office (GLO) Act and it will consider the matter most carefully.

Asked whether the GLO amendment draft is considered as opposite to the Sufficiency Economy, the premier said the Sufficiency Economy and the law amendment work together on the basis of rationality and that the government’s decision is based on reality. It decided to submit the GLO amendment draft to the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) as it viewed that the amendment has a possibility to do more good to the country than bad. It is now waiting for NLA resolution on the matter which will be announced today.

PM also insisted that he has not pressed NLA to approve the GLO amendment draft. If NLA did not approve it, the government has other options to resolve the problem of the 2-3 digit lotteries.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 30 November 2006