Asian Economic News: Cambodia shuts down border casino after Thai complaint

BANGKOK, May 31 Kyodo

Cambodian authorities ordered closure of a casino at O'Smach after a strong complaint from Thailand that it went against an agreement not to have gambling houses in the area, a Thai official said Wednesday.

The newly opened casino at Royal Hill Resort will stop gambling operations Saturday following an order from the provincial governor, the official from the Thai border province Surin said.

"Thailand and Cambodia opened a border checkpoint at O'Smach to boost trade and tourism between the two countries, not for gambling," said the official on condition of anonymity.

Thailand threatened to close the border checkpoint at Chong Chom, about 450 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, that connects to O'Smach unless Cambodia shut down the casino, the official said.

Gambling is illegal in Thailand.

O'Smach is a former stronghold of troops loyal to Prince Norodom Ranariddh, now the president of Cambodia's National Assembly.

Cambodia has 15 casinos, 11 of them near its border with Thailand.