Prosecution against the Bridge players in Pattya will continue says District Chief

According to local news sources in Pattaya, Khun Chakorn, the district chief who instigated the raid on the local Bridge Club on the 1st of February has said that he fully intends to continue with the process of prosecution against 32 members of the Pattaya and Jomtien Bridge Club, and allow a judge to decide if anything illegal was taking place. He believes that offences have been committed. The issued warrant states that there were suspicions that offences were taking place that contravene Section 8 of the Playing Cards Act of 1935 that relates to playing cards and alcohol. Although no charges have been brought against the players, the District Chief believes offences were committed, an accusation being disputed by the Contract Bridge League of Thailand who have become involved in the case. They deny that the game of Bridge involves any form of gambling. The District Chief says that if he does not pursue the case it could set a precedent and encourage anybody playing cards to challenge the authorities in the future. He went on to say that he would prefer the case to be heard by a judge who can decide whether or not playing Bridge in Thailand is or is not against the law.

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