The 2006 World Cup Finals kick off in Germany in less than a month, but football gamblers will be up against some stiff opposition, according to city police chief LtGeneral Wiroj Chantarangsi.

Anticipating footballmad gamblers looking to score big between June and July 9, Wiroj has ordered city police districts to establish antigambling operation centres.

He has also assigned 101 special units to assist in a monthlong crackdown on football bookies and punters.

Wiroj said the success of the crackdown relied on information exchange and cooperation among police units.

If local police turn a blind eye to gambling on the games, they will receive disciplinary action.

For bookies and their runners nabbed during the finals, police promise swift prosecutions, and those caught may even be charged with additional offences against the AntiMoney Laundering Act and tax laws.

by the Nation