Five Thai men were arrested and sentenced to jail in Myanmar

Sixteen people including five Thai men were arrested on Monday by Myanmar authorities in connection to illegal gambling in a hotel in Tachilek, a province across Mae Sai in Chiang Rai.

The 16 were transported amid tight security to Keng Tung Prison, about 150km from the border with Chiang Rai.

The Tachilek Provincial Court sentenced the casino owner to 21 months jail, and nine casino employees to 12 months and nine customers, including six Thais, to six months in custody.

The Thais are reportedly from Bangkok and connected to influential Thai figures. Two locals and a Thai were reportedly on the run after each posted Bt160,000 in cash as bail. The Thai was sentenced in absentia.

Details about the case emerged in early February when Myanmar authorities raided the unauthorised casino on the hotel's second floor and arrested 19 people and seized gambling equipment and Bt1.9 million in cash and about 140,000 kyat.

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