Cops launch virus-link probe at 2 more casinos
published : 2 Jan 2021 at 11:00
newspaper section: News
writer: Wassayos Ngamkham
The National police chief has ordered an investigation into reports that two gambling dens in Chanthaburi province were sources of Covid-19 infections.
Police inspector-general Pol Gen Wissanu Prasarttong-Osoth said on Friday that both casinos are believed to be the source of 15 new Covid cases found in Chanthaburi province. He said the 15 people had visited either one of the two casinos or both.
The first was in tambon Nern Soong in Tha Mai district and the other in tambon Nong Sri Nga in Na Yai Am district. Five hundred people, Thais and Cambodian, are thought to have frequented both gambling dens, Pol Gen Wissanu said.
So far, health officials have located and tested 338 people -- 270 Thai gamblers and 68 Cambodian workers. Results confirmed that 15 people tested positive for Covid-19.
Pol Gen Wissanu also said the Royal Thai Police would launch a probe into the conduct of local police in Chathaburi province where the gambling dens were.
He said those found to be complicit in the running of the dens or negligent would face penalties similar to the heads of police stations in Chon Buri and Rayong who were transferred and face disciplinary probe after gambling dens were found to be the source of Covid-19 infections in their areas.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health has instructed all 12 public health offices across the country to ensure that all vendors at fresh markets and street food sellers wear a face mask and use clean utensils to pick up food.
