Thais install cameras to curb gambling trips
Bangkok: Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has ordered that video cameras be installed at border crossings to discourage gamblers from playing in neighbouring countries during the New Year holidays, a news report said yesterday.
“Beware! You may lose your money out there, and even if you win and bring back a lot of money, your cash could be seized. The videos will record your movement,” The Nation newspaper quoted Thaksin as saying in his holiday warning to the country’s gamblers.
Thaksin also issued a stern warning to immigration officials who allow gamblers to cross the border without proper travel documents.
“We will send out undercover officers,” he said.
Police said three serveillance cameras have already been installed to monitor the busy border crossing between the Thai town of Aranyaprathet and the Cambodian town of Poipet, where a string of glitzy Las Vegas-style casinos generally receive a big influx of Thai gamblers during the New Year holiday period.
Thaksin’s warning about seizing winnings apparently referred to regulations on how much cash can be legally carried across the border.
Niranuj Sawatkamthon, manager of Poipet’s Holiday Palace casino, said the stricter screening at the border crossing had delayed travellers and prompted complaints from many foreign tourists.
Thai punters also flock during the holidays to casinos in Myanmar (Burma), opposite the Thai provinces of Ranong and Mae Sai, and further afield to the Chinese city of Macao.
The drain of cash from Thailand has strengthened the hand of those lobbying for the legalization of casino gambling in the kingdom.
(dpa)
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