Thai police discovers illegal two-story casino in Nonthaburi hotel

In the Nonthaburi province, northwest of Bangkok, 49 persons were taken into custody by Thai police, 26 of them were Chinese nationals. These individuals were involved in a complex illegal casino on the eighth and ninth floors of the IWISH hotel.

Keycard-only entry, six baccarat tables, six slot machines, casino chips, and about THB 3.5 million (US$100,500) in cash were taken from the casino by immigration agents working with local police.

Among those held were twenty-six Chinese gamblers and twenty-three Thai workers. When the IWISH hotel was inspected a month ago, no casino was found, according to the head of the local police force. The head of the national police force, Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, has ordered an extensive investigation to find the real owner of the casino and to take action against any police personnel found to have assisted in its running.

With Thailand still looking into the construction of its first regulated casinos, an illegal casino discovery has been made. A committee of the House of Representatives has been established to investigate the viability of a legal casino industry. A previous study had suggested that legal casinos be built within larger entertainment complexes in as many as five locations around the nation.

Pattaya and Rayong are part of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), together with Bangkok, are two possible destinations. The remainder of the integrated resort floor area is intended to be used for attractions including hotels, shopping centers, spas, zoos, and sports stadiums. The plan states that casino sections should make up no more than 5% of the overall floor surface.

Original story by: IAG