Horse racing machines first to go in vice crackdown

Deputy National Police Commissioner General Thanee Somboonsap gave an ultimatum that Bangkokbased police must have eliminated all the electronic gambling machines in the capital by yesterday, or be punished.

"If I find any horseracing machine in Bangkok, it means you are either negligent or involved in the illegal business," Thanee said.

He vowed a probe would be launched against local police if  horseracing machines were found operating in their areas.

"If the probe nails down an official, senior or junior, he or she will be punished," Thanee said,

declaring his tough stance to senior policemen in Bangkok, from deputysuperintendent level up.

Thanee - who oversees the Metropolitan Police Bureau - said he was not happy with the bureau's performance relating to the crackdown on vice.

"There have been not many arrests. The summary of their performance tells all," he said.

"If the National Police Office has to enforce the crackdown itself, senior officers at the Metropolitan Police Bureau will be dealt with for sure," Thanee said.

He said he wanted the Bangkokbased police to wipe out brothels, gambling dens and drugserving entertainment venues too.

Assistant National Police Commissioner Lt General Assawin Kwanmuang said Thanee had a special taskforce to crack down on illegal activities.

"The taskforce is now ready to act. It will reach a target area within onehour after receiving a complaint," Assawin said.

He urged people to notify him if they saw any illegal activities.

"You can call me at 081 9472828," he said.