Special Investigation to stop online gambling
20th March, 2008
DSI, the Department of Social Investigation is trying to outlaw the online gambling sites. They are basing their reasoning on the lack of trust concerning the way the sites operate and what goes on behind the scenes.
Justice permanent secretary, Jarun Pakdithanakul, explained that it was the new information about the online gambling websites, which demonstrated the necessity of the investigation process into the field. According to Pakdithanakul the department has come across some proof suggesting that gambling websites are connected to betting on soccer matches.
They are now fishing for valuable evidence that could start off the legal process, which could lead to fundamental changes in the online gambling world.
If the investigation leads to the needed evidence discovery, then the next step would be for DSI to team up with Anti-Money Laundering Office to be able to free assets of those who are proven to have done dodgy operations, followed by their necessary arrests.
Soccer gambling is particularly popular with Thai teenagers, despite Mr Jarun’s statement that the cost for opening an account enabling them to gamble is a minimum 3,000 baht.
According to Mr Jarun, the data gathered by DSI says there are more than 10,000 subscribers in Thailand, with the most saturated areas being Chiang Mai, Songkhla and Bankok.
By Elena
