Even as the debate continues over legalizing gambling in Thailand, police are hot on the heels of illegal operations, on Wednesday busting a THB56 million ($1.73 million) gambling website operating north of Bangkok.
According to the Bangkok Post, the raid was conducted after police received information linked to illegal gambling site Auto888vip.com.
During the raid on a house in the Khlong Luang area of Pathum Thani, police arrested one 30-year-old individual who allegedly handled the finances of the platform – both withdrawing money from the site and handling proceeds.
Amongst the items seized was THB28 million ($865,000) in cash, luxury watches and luxury goods, as well as two luxury vehicles. The titles on the house and land were also frozen.
Authorities indicate that Auto888vip.com had around 3,000 active user accounts monthly, and processed cash withdrawals amounting to THB20 million ($618,000) per month over the past six months.
The investigation is ongoing, with hopes for further apprehensions.
Last year, Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society was tasked with updating the nation’s online gambling laws, establishing a minister-led national committee to change legislation and ensure compliance with the nation’s cybersecurity act.
It’s estimated that the nation’s underground gambling economy is worth some THB1.1 trillion ($30.9 billion) annually.
