DSI sets up centre to crack down on online gambling websites

[News Bandit]

BANGKOK, Oct 18 – The Thai authorities Department of Special Discussion (DSI) has set up a new centre to demolish online gambling websites, saying they generate more than Bt2.3 billion in illegal funds in circulation annually.

DSI Director-General Tharit Pengdit said online gambling websites are owned by the same groups of people.

Such sites are believed to attract Thai customers, for they provide sites in the Thai language and have opened bank accounts in Thailand.

According to Mr Tharit, website owners have casinos in Cambodia, and there are two major networks involved in the online gambling sites.

The first group comprises 25 persons in Bangkok and Thailand's east, owning 15 websites and generating about Bt4 million in circulation per day or Bt1.5 billion a year, with an average of 1,160 customers betting per day.

The second gang is based in Thailand's northeast in the provinces of Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothon, and Khon Kaen with seven websites available and some Bt800 million in circulation per year generated by over 1,000 gamblers daily.

DSI initially seized 103 Thai bank accounts belonging to the two groups with Bt7 million on deposit. The bank account owners have already been informed to clarify their status at the DSI and to identify the sources of their funds. (MCOT online news)

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