Lottery office chief resigns

Director-general of the Government Lottery Office (GLO) Wanchai Surakul handed his resignation to finance permanent secretary and chairman of the GLO board Sathit Limphongphan on Thursday morning.

It follows his threat on Wednesday to resign as he could no longer stand the pressure associated with trying to push the stalled lottery project through against barrier after barrier.

It was crucial that the project, which provides for sales of lottery tickets from electronic vending machines, be revived.

It was an ideal way to resolve the problem of vendors overcharging for lottery tickets and at the same time tackle the illegal underground lottery, he said.

Mr Wanchai said on Thursday his resignation will take effect in 30 days. He insisted he was leaving the job because of health problems, not because of his dispute with Mr Sathit.

The GLO head refused to comment on the call by a GLO labour union leader that he should change his mind and settle his disagreement with his superviser instead of quitting.