Authorities probe gamblers’ Line accounts

More than 4, 000 formal records relating to gaming sites are being closed.

Gambling chips are seized following a raid on a casino in Nonthaburi in March. (Photo: Department of Provincial Administration)
Following a March attack on a game in Nonthaburi, gaming chips were discovered. ( Photo: Department of Provincial Administration )

More than 4, 000 standard Series accounts linked to improper online gambling sites have been targeted for shutdown, with users liable for legal penalties, according to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society.

Following online security by regulators and Line Thailand from February 24 to August 9, the government has requested the controller of the country’s most popular talk app, which has 54 million customers.

Gamblers were urged not to use the platform to promote links to illegitimate online gambling sites as part of the crackdown.

The Line software is a great resource for site owners, according to Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong’s statement on Tuesday.

Apart from illegal online gambling, several standard Series accounts had also been used by other legal groups, such as virtual scammers, to reach their potential victims, he said.

Of the 4, 136 records uncovered in the assault, 2, 532 contained little video marketing gaming websites, and the remainder were offered as entry points to them.

According to Mr. Prasert, the principal communication channel between betting organisers and their clients was the standard accounts.

He even warned members of the public against getting involved, directly or indirectly, with illegal gambling actions and online swindling.

Players are subject to a maximum sentence of three years in prison and/or a fine of up to 5,000 ringgit.