Bkk post -Gamblers set for release

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Subject: Bkk post -Gamblers set for release after verdict

Bangkok post - Oct 26, 1999.
THAI-BURMESE TIES
Gamblers set for release after verdict
Gaming operator to cover their fines

Achataya Chuenniran

The 31 gamblers arrested in Burma were arraigned in a Kawthaung court
yesterday on charges of illegal entry and expected to be deported soon, a
border source said.

Charges of illegal gambling against the 22 Thais and nine others with dual
citizenship were thought to have been dropped at the urging of Vikrom
Aiyasiri, chairman of Andaman Club Co, which operates a casino in Koh Son.

The 31 were expected to be released within 48 hours after the court verdict
and after paying a 40,000-baht fine each for illegal entry.

Ranong Governor Thawat Hantra said yesterday he has asked Burmese
authorities to speed up the case and he expected to be informed of the good
news in the next few days.

Mr Thawat said all of the Thais were safe and that Mr Vikrom would take care
of them and pay the fines.

Thais have been warned not to cross into Burma as long as the border remains
closed. Mr Thawat attributed the arrests to a change in the local
administration and pointed out that the casino raid was carried out from
Rangoon.

Mr Vikrom, said to have close ties with the Burmese military, said such
problems have to be handled one at a time and the priority was to secure the
release of Thai gamblers.

He confirmed he would pay the fines totalling 1.2 million baht.

The Foreign Ministry said it had been difficult to contact Burmese
authorities during the end of Lent.

Relatives of the 31, however, remained concerned for the safety and
well-being of the gamblers. Many said they had been kept in the dark,
relying on sketchy reports the authorities could not confirm or deny.

One of the relatives said he did not trust the Burmese legal system and that
those gamblers could end up in jail.

Another relative noted that the casino raid could have been carried out as a
favour to Andaman Club Co, with a 30-year operating permit.