Thailand says no contact with Cambodia over disputed border casino

Tuesday 21st of March 2017

Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said the ministry has not written to authorities in neighbouring Cambodia regarding a disputed border casino, The Nation reports.

He also said the new property had not been discussed at the weekly cabinet meeting.

The issue of the casino has been simmering for months, though has flared again after allegations by anti-corruption activist Veera Somkwamkid who claimed the casino is sited in Ta Phraya National Park, which forms part of a World Heritage Site in Thai territory.

The unnamed casino is reported to be situated close to the Sai Takoo border checkpoint in Buri Ram province. He also alleged that Thailand’s National Parks Department had being negligent in carrying out its duty.

This resulted in the agency undertaking an examination of the official map of the national park to prove that the casino was not located within its perimeter, followed by a prompt denial of Veera’s allegation, the report said.

Gambling is banned in Thailand, but locals flock to casinos on the border with Cambodia where it is permitted.