Many Thais have crossed over to the casinos in Cambodia over the Songkran

Dubbed the "Las Vegas of the East," Poipet is famous for its numerous casinos and prostitution establishments. On the website of the Ho Wah Genting casino resorts, foreign visitors are recommended to travel to Bangkok, then take the land route in Thailand to reach Poipet, thereby bypassing almost completely Cambodia. As such, the Malaysian-owned casino does not provide any contribution to the tourist industry of Cambodia at all. Tax revenues raised from these casinos barely make a dent in Cambodia's state coffer, most likely due to corruption. Profits from these casino do not contribute much to the Cambodian economy. Gambling proliferation only contributes to the increase of crimes, prostitutions, and land grabbing.

www.thaisnews.com

Thais have been flocking over to casinos in Cambodia located across the border of Surin Province, despite stepped-up inspections by officials at the border checkpoints.

Two large casinos are located in Cambodian territory across the permanent border pass in Dan Sub-district in Surin's Kabcherng District. A large number of Thais have crossed over to the casinos over the Songkran holidays, despite a sign having been erected at the border point discouraging them from gambling.

Today, both casinos are conducting special promotions for Songkran, and are also hiring famed singers and stars from Thailand to perform right inside the casinos.