The Nation-Burma scuttles deal on g

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Subject: The Nation-Burma scuttles deal on gamblers' fine

The Nation
Tuesday, October 26 12:06 AM SGT

Burma scuttles deal on gamblers' fine
THE fate of 31 Thai nationals charged with illegal entry into Burma remains
uncertain as Rangoon called off a planned trial yesterday and ordered a
local court to add the charge of illegal gambling, an official said.

Burma's Koh Song court had earlier agreed with the request of local Thai
authorities that the 31 Thais, seven of whom also have Burmese citizenship,
would be tried and convicted on charges of illegal entry and released
immediately after a US$1,000 fine was paid, the official said.

The trial was planned for yesterday afternoon.

The chief negotiator in the deal was Thai businessman Vikrom Aisiri, who
owns the Andaman Club hotel and casino on Koh Song and reportedly has strong
links with Burmese officials.

Vikrom had agreed to pay the fines and would settle financial matters with
the 31 after they were back across the border, the official said.

However, before the scheduled 2 pm trial began, Rangoon ordered the local
court to stop the case and demanded that all the suspects be charged with
illegal gambling, the official said.

Those detained were among 70 Thais arrested last Friday after allegedly
crossing illegally into Burma to gamble at a casino.

Gambling has long been tolerated by Burmese officials in Koh Song, adjacent
to Ranong province. It is not clear what gaming law the 31 people have
violated since the casino had been given official permission to operate.

Illegal entry into Burma carries a sentence of up to 10 years' imprisonment
and fine of up to $1,000.

Rangoon on Sunday denied the arrest of the Thais was connected to the siege
at the Burmese embassy in Bangkok on Oct 1.

The Nation