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The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
The billion-Baht casino empire: How Thai-Cambodia border tensions expose hidden networks of power
BANGKOK: Recent border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have inadvertently exposed a sprawling network of influential figures who have built a multi-billion baht casino empire along the frontier, according to explosive new research from the Centre for Gambling Problem Studies. The territorial dispute, which erupted into clashes at Chong Bok in Ubon Ratchathani province and led to reduced border crossing hours from Saturday (June 7), has disrupted what investigators describe as a "massive profit network" hidden behind the Thai-Cambodia frontier. The Koh Kong Kingdom At the heart of this investigation lies the Koh Kong Resort casino, located just 800 metres from Thailand's permanent Khlong Yai border crossing in Trat province. The operation is owned by "Oknha Ly Yong Phat," known in Thailand as "Pad Suphapa" or "Sia Pad," a Cambodian senator and businessman of Chinese-Thai descent. Sia Pad controls tens of thousands of rai through his LYP Group, one of Cambodia's largest corporations under the Li So company umbrella. Beyond casinos and hotels, his business empire encompasses industrial estates, fruit centres, commercial buildings, private roads, and river bridges. Most significantly, the research identifies Sia Pad's connection to former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, described as his "elder brother" and political patron. This relationship reportedly began when Sia Pad supported Hun Sen's political campaigns in Koh Kong province, leading to electoral victory and Sia Pad's subsequent appointment to Cambodia's highest royal title of "Oknha." The Poipet Powerbrokers Cambodia now hosts approximately 150 casinos, making it Southeast Asia's gambling capital, with most concentrated along the Thai border. The largest hub is Poipet in Banteay Meanchey province, opposite Thailand's Aranyaprathet district in Sa Kaeo, where an estimated 80% of gamblers are Thai nationals. Key Poipet operations include Grand Diamond City, owned by Watthana Asavahem, a former 11-term MP from Samut Prakan known as the "Paknam Godfather." - Photo: The Nation/ANN He purchased the business in 2001 for approximately 700 million baht and attempted to sell it in 2021 for 12 billion baht. Watthana currently faces a 10-year prison sentence for land fraud. Holiday Poipet represents a joint venture between Indonesian, Macau Chinese, and Thai businessmen, whilst Star Vegas & Club involves oil tycoons partnering with Taiwanese investors and the brother of a former Cambodian defence minister. The Shadow Shareholding System The research reveals a sophisticated "nominee shareholding" system where influential Cambodians leverage land ownership to secure stakes in casino operations. Former Khmer Rouge leader Samphor, who became Pailin province's governor, exemplifies this pattern by opening his territory to Thai investors whilst demanding partnership stakes in multiple casinos including Pailin, Crown Diamond, Dream World, and K.R. Victoria casinos. These arrangements require casino operators to pay overlapping concession fees to both central and local governments, creating multiple layers of profit-sharing amongst political elites. Cross-Border Corruption Networks The investigation exposes systematic corruption involving officials on both sides of the border. Casino operators must pay bribes to facilitate border crossing schedules, passport processing, contraband inspections, and cross-border money transfers. Crucially, the casinos serve as money-laundering centres for Thai elite engaged in illegal businesses, with conspiracies between money launderers and casino owners who often become VIP clients. The research identifies "Kok An," a wealthy Cambodian businessman and Hun Sen adviser, who was involved in constructing the Princess Crown casino in Poipet. The project violated border agreements, prompting Thai protests and forcing construction to halt with excavated canal soil returned. Border Restrictions Hit Casino Profits The current border restrictions directly impact casino operations, particularly at the Aranyaprathet-Poipet crossing, now operating 08:00-16:00 with explicit prohibition: "Thai nationals travelling for gambling and tourism are forbidden to leave the country." These measures may represent attempts to control gambling and cross-border crime, but they also highlight the complex relationships between state power, business interests, and influence networks spanning both nations. The International Web The casino network involves multiple international players including "Tony," an Indonesian businessman owning Holiday Palace and Holiday Poipet; Chen Lip Keong, a Malaysian tycoon controlling Naga World through NagaCorp; Macau Chinese businessmen with stakes in multiple casinos; and Taiwanese investment groups in Star Vegas. Thai involvement includes "Sia Somboon," former Star Vegas and Star King owner, Cosmo Oil businessmen holding Star Vegas shares, and local Sa Kaeo entrepreneurs with stakes across multiple operations. Questions for the Future The current Thai-Cambodia dispute has inadvertently exposed what researchers describe as a "colossal profit network" generating billions of baht whilst connecting influential figures across both countries. As border tensions continue, the sustainability of these cross-border gambling empires faces unprecedented scrutiny. The key question remains: how long will the current dispute last, and what will be its ultimate impact on the multi-billion baht casino networks that have operated in the shadows of Thai-Cambodia relations for decades? - The Nation/ANN [* This investigation is based on research by the Centre for Gambling Problem Studies examining economic and political elite networks and the impact of border casinos along the Thai-Cambodia frontier.]
Time Out
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Bangkok's top 6 hangover remedies
1. Pre-empt the hangover at Saengchai Phochana on Sukhumvit 47 This Chinese-Thai spot is where Bangkok's night owls flock post-clubbing. Their knockout dish is the savoury stir-fried minced pork with pickled plum. If you need something soupy, go for the tangy, sour-salty minced pork soup with pickled mustard greens and preserved plums. For something a bit rarer, try their stir-fried creepers flowers with egg and mung bean noodles. It's smoky, fresh and oh-so-satisfying. Anything off their menu is a winner over steamed rice, so don't skimp even when your judgement's slightly compromised. Pro tip: time it right and grab a seat by the back wall fans. The breeze will keep you cool while you power through your meal when your head's a little heavy. 2. Teochew for the soul at Tang Jai Yoo in Yaowarat Mornings are mellow at this long-standing Teochew spot in the city, but it's a different story once the sun dips. Not to toot my own horn, but this is the self-declared holy trinity of hangover cures. Here's the rundown: First up, the stewed fish maw and bamboo mushroom soup: silky, comforting, and just rich enough to revive both body and mind. Next, the steamed snapper in soy sauce: tender, savoury and greasy enough to jolt you back to life. And for the grand finale, something sweet like sticky rice topped with creamy stirred taro and buttery ginkgo nuts. This Chinatown spot feels like a quiet pocket in the city. Low-key chatter in Cantonese, warm Chinese tea on the side. It's the kind of place that genuinely grounds and nurses you. 3. Good porridge heals all at Jok Prince in Bangrak This hole-in-the-wall spot serves the city's most restorative rice porridge, and a Michelin Bib Gourmand backs that up. Even Anthony Bourdain tracked it down. Century egg porridge at Jok Prince is the move. Get it with their secret recipe pork balls, don't skip the ginger and load up on spring onions. A few steamy spoonfuls in and you're sorted. It's rise and shine all of a sudden. It's the knockout cure for hangovers, jet lag or those brutal mornings with an unexpected pounding headache. 4. Feel the breeze and face the water at Lumphini Park Nature is the best hangover remedy, if we're being honest. Head in from Wireless Road, loop around the lake, and lock eyes on one of those benches facing the water. Plant yourself there, take as many deep breaths as you need, and chill under the shade of big trees. Or, if you're in one of those 'I need to touch some grass' moments, drop down on the lawn and do exactly that. To truly get a solo zen timeout and regain self-clarity, hop onto one of the Swan pedal boats, glide across the water, bask in the breeze, and feel the sun on your skin. 5. A spa hangover fix at Let's Relax in Thonglor Cool aromatherapy towels and targeted pressure-point work will clear that mental fog and ease the tension sitting heavy in your body. Go for the 'dream package,' a full-body fix designed to get your blood moving, loosen up tight spots, and leave you actually breathing again. It's a 90-minute flow: 45 minutes of foot reflexology, 15 minutes of hand pressure massage, and 30 minutes focused on your ne 6. Bacon rules at Toby's on Sukhumvit 38 Crack on Aussie-style with Toby's 'bacon rules' brekkie: two eggs cooked your way, properly crispy bacon, and sourdough toast. Then wash away last night's regrets with their cold-pressed pink lady apple juice. Honestly, any of their cold-pressed range does the job. No added sugar, just the raw kick your body needs when your head's still stuck in yesterday. And if you venture out of Sukhumvit, you can catch them at Noble Play Ploenchit or Lazy Toby in Villa Market Nanglinchee.
South China Morning Post
24-03-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
China announces joint naval drills with Thailand near South China Sea port
China and Thailand will begin joint naval drills later this month with a focus on counterterrorism tactics and anti-submarine warfare, according to the Chinese defence ministry. Advertisement The location mentioned suggests that the exercises will take place in the South China Sea. The 'Blue Strike-2025' joint naval drills would be held from 'late March to early April' near Zhanjiang, in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, the ministry said in a notice posted on its website on Monday. The port city of Zhanjiang sits on the South China Sea coast, facing the Chinese tropical island province of Hainan. The drills would include urban counterterrorism tactics, joint maritime strike exercises and joint anti-submarine warfare training, according to the notice. Advertisement It noted that this would be the sixth such naval exercise between China and Thailand, and would 'have a positive impact on deepening pragmatic cooperation between the two countries' navies and enhancing their joint maritime operational capabilities'. The first Chinese-Thai joint naval drills were held in 2010, and the last time was in September 2023.
