Bkk Post-Border gateway to casino c

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Subject: Bkk Post-Border gateway to casino closed

Bangkok Post June 8, 1999.
GAMBLING / CHECKPOINT CONTROVERSY

Border gateway to casino closed
Pass helps local trade, says governor

Thirawat Kamthita

Thais can no longer cross into Burma through the Sop-Ruek temporary
checkpoint in Mae Sai to gamble at the Golden Triangle casino.

Governor Vijarn Chaiyanant of Chiang Rai confirmed the restriction when he
met members of the House local administration panel, who had queried the
decision last October to open the checkpoint.

Samphan Lertnuwat, a local New Aspiration MP, called on the governor to
close the checkpoint, saying the casino, which is to open soon and is 1km
away, would benefit directly.

Mr Vijarn said the opening of the checkpoint had nothing to do with the
casino but was aimed purely at promoting trade among people from Burma, Laos
and Thailand.

"Only Burmese and Laotians can use the checkpoint to cross into Ban Sop-Ruek
and Ban Wang Lao during the day," he said. "Thai people cannot cross the
border from this checkpoint." Local gamblers had to use the Chiang Saen
pass, 10km away.

The casino is reportedly owned by Prasit Pohsuthon, an elder brother of Mr
Prapat, a deputy interior deputy minister and a member of Chart Thai.

Boosarin Tiyapairat, manager of the provincial administration organisation,
had supported the opening. Most Chiang Rai councillors felt local people
would benefit, she said, but a few local politicians had opposed the
opening.

Pol Lt-Gen Viroj Pao-in, a Chart Thai MP and panel member, inspected the
checkpoint and the Chiang Saen border pass and said the governor had acted
within his authority. Furthermore, the temporary checkpoint had undoubtedly
helped boost local trade.

The Ang Thong MP, who is deputy chairman of the panel, said confusion
erupted over the governor's decision to open the checkpoint amid attempts to
link it to the gambling den.

"Whether there is a casino on the other side of the checkpoint or not is
irrelevant since it is beyond our borders," Pol Lt-Gen Viroj added.