The Nation - Burma releases last of

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Subject: The Nation - Burma releases last of Thai gamblers

The Nation -Oct 29, 1999.
Headlines
Burma releases last of Thai gamblers

BURMA yesterday released the remaining group of Thai gamblers detained last
Friday after fining them for illegal entry. Thai police said they would now
charge these people for illegal exit.

According to Ranong provincial police chief Pol Major Gen Chareon Maneewong,
the 31 gamblers would be escorted back from the border before being charged
for leaving the Kingdom illegally. They will have to pay Bt800 each as the
fine.

Earlier, Rangoon had freed 22 detainees after fining them US$1,200 (about
Bt46,000) each for illegal entry.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Don Pramudwinai said nine other Thais who lived
in Burma and were arrested at the same time were also released after they
paid a fine of kyat 10,000 (about Bt1,000).

He said businessman Vikrom Eisiri helped secure the release and put down
some of the payments for the fines.

About 70 Thai gamblers were rounded up last week 75 km from Vikrom's Andaman
Club and 70 km from Victoria Point.

The Nation