Thailand determined to uproot illegal gambling

Thailand is debating the legalization of casino resorts, following the example of other jurisdictions in the region which have leveraged the popularity of Las Vegas-style resorts in order to boost their economies.

With many similar moves afoot in places like Japan and Vietnam, Thailand has been keen not to get left behind and is pressing on with the legalization of such entertainment complexes, which the Tahi government hopes would revitalize tourism and bring in a lot of additional revenue.

Thailand keen to show tougher stance on illegal gambling

Yet, as hopefuls ponder the economic windfall for the state, authorities are busy cleaning up the thriving illegal gambling sector.

Earlier this week, police in the Nakhon Nayok province arrested 218 people who were described as either illegal bookmakers or gamblers, signifying a shift in attitude towards culpability in gambling-related crime. The news was originally reported by the Bangkok Post, a respected local media outlet.

Those who gamble at illegal venues may come under blows from the law as well as those who host such illicit activities, the message seems to be. In the latest crackdown on illegal gambling, police were able to seize about $90,000 worth of chips and cash used to run the gambling operation.

According to Thai Deputy Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, the kingdom was committed to making sure that it puts a maximum pressure strategy on illegal gambling in a bid to please interventionalist neighbors and ensure that any efforts to regulate and legalize its own gambling industry go smoothly.

Neighbors want Thailand to uproot illegal gambling altogether

China has also been putting fresh demands on its neighbor, arguing that tourists from the country have been kidnapped and forced to work in Thailand. A prominent Chinese actor was among the victims not too long ago.

China has asked Thailand, as it has other regional countries, to ensure that illegal gambling is dealt with so that Chinese nationals are safe.

Traveling abroad for the purposes of gambling is looked down upon in China as well, and the country is actively running a campaign to discourage if not outright stop its citizens from visiting foreign countries to gamble.

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