SOURCE: bangkokpost.com

[Thailand's] Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is gathering evidence to track down and close websites that offer online gambling.

Jarun Pakdithanakul, Justice permanent secretary, said that the ministry has got new information on gambling websites and that the DSI has found that such sites are connected to betting on soccer matches.

If evidence is found, DSI will work with Anti-Money Laundering Office to free assets of the wrongdoers and will arrest them, he added.

Gambling on soccer matches has become increasingly popular among Thai teenagers. According Mr. Jarun, one has to spend at least 3,000 baht to open an online account before they can gamble.

Mr. Jarun said DSI data shows that there are more than 10,000 subscribers in Thailand, and many of them are in Chiang Mai, Songkhla and Bangkok.