Gambling den bribe claims irk journalists

[Admin]

The Thai Journalists' Association (TJA) responded to the claims by demanding Mr Chuvit provide evidence if he wants media organisations to be investigated.

Mr Chuvit, an opposition MP has disclosed several illegal gambling dens in Bangkok, told a news conference yesterday gambling den operators have expanded their influence among police, politicians and reporters.

"They [gambling den operators] delivered computer laptops to reporters covering the Metropolitan Police Bureau beat but the matter was covered up. They also claimed they have police generals to back them up," Mr Chuvit said.

"This is a dangerous move, showing the influence of gambling den operators has expanded to every corner of society."

Sadet Bunnag, the TJA's vice-president for media rights and freedom, suggested Mr Chuvit hand any evidence to media organisations or the National Press Council, so those organisations could launch an inquiry into the claim.

Mr Chuvit showed reporters pictures of a room containing gambling machines and equipment. He said the images showed a new casino which will open in early February.

He said the casino was fitted out with modern and expensive gambling equipment, just like legal casinos in Macau.

It is similar to the casino in Ratchadaphisek area that was closed down last August, he said.

He said the Ratchadaphisek casino would resume its business within one or two weeks after his news conference because a casino could generate more than 20 million baht of revenue each month.

"Whenever it reopens, I will video the place again," Mr Chuvit said.

Mr Chuvit claimed on Saturday that a group of "men in uniform" had been behind the reopening of a large casino in Bangkok, which would be launched this Thursday or Friday.

Mr Chuvit said a 50-table casino would move from the Ratchadaphisek area to a soi where an embassy and a golf driving range are located.

Pol Maj Gen Saroj Phromcharoen, a deputy chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, revealed later that Mr Chuvit was referring to the Lao embassy, which is located on Soi Ramkhamhaeng 39.

Nevertheless, police have found no new gambling den in the area.

"Local residents always know where gambling dens are, but the police have not seen them," Mr Chuvit said.

"Politicians have not seen them either. It shows the operators of those dens are influential. They either give politicians some financial support or help them expand their political platforms."

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung, who supervises the Royal Thai Police, claimed the pictures of the casino held by Mr Chuvit were in fact small seasonal gambling establishments.

The police cannot take legal action against anybody after gambling dens are closed. Police have already closed down all major casinos in the capital, he said.

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[Bill Rini]

Chuvit: I'll talk only to the police chief

Opposition MP Chuvit Kamolvisit insisted on Monday he was serious about exposing illegal casinos operating in Bangkok, but said he would in future give information only to the national police chief.

The Rak Thailand Party leader was responding at a news conference to Pheu Thai Party spokesman Prompong Nopparit, who said on Sunday that some of his claims seemed groundless.

He claimed Mr Chuvit might have a hidden agenda because his information could discredit the government or national police chief Priewpan Damapong.

Mr Chuvit told reporters last week that a new 50-table casino would open early next month in the Ratchada area. The location of the den was under the Metropolitan Police Bureau's jurisdiction, he said.

Mr Chuvit said the reason he held a press conference on Monday was that some people had claimed he could not provide credible information about the casino.

He said his revelations were meant to encourage police to be aware of their duty.

When police find gambling dens, they often claim that they are "bon wing'' (a casino which operates at one location for a short period before moving to another), or charity casinos, or that they were only small ones.

Police also realised that new casinos would keep on opening to replace those they shut down, he said.

"The evidence that I have with me shows exactly where the alleged casino is located, because the tables, chairs and walls look all the same,'' Mr Chuvit said.

"But I won't tell where it is. I can be as tricky as the police. I have my own purpose, and don't want to blackmail anyone.

"I will not discuss this matter with anyone except Pol Gen Priewpan Damapong, the national police chief.

"I want to point out that the illegal casino racket is very prevalent. I want to support the police, I don't mean to harm them if they perform their duty,'' Mr Chuvit said.

The former massage parlour tycoon denied Mr Prompong's claim that he was trying to discredit the government and Pol Gen Priewpan.

"I am only do my job, finding evidence about gambling dens.

"Gambling is closely related to corruption, but some police and stupid, ineffective politicians like to protect them (casino operators) and receive tea money from them.

"They then say they don't know the whereabouts of those casinos. This means Thailand has no credibility in the global community," Mr Chuvit said.

He challenged any police officer or politician with a brave mind to identify the location of illegal casinos in Bangkok.

Pol Lt Gen Winai Thongsong, chief of metropolitan police, said an inspection committee had been set up in each jurisdiction to look into the matter and submit a report to him by the end of next month.

Officers supervising any area found to have allowed a gambling den to operate would be punished.

Pol Lt Gen Winai insisted no large casino was due to open next month as claimed by Mr Chuvit, adding that no casinos would be allowed to operate during his tenure.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/poli...ice-chief-only