Laos Returns 32 Online Gambling Admins to Thailand
Laotian authorities returned 32 Thai nationals to Thailand who had been operating illegal online gambling websites from Vientiane, earning 15,000-18,000 baht monthly. They were among 373 Thai arrested in a July crackdown on illegal gambling
On August 6, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge border checkpoint in Muang District, Nong Khai Province, authorities received 32 Thai nationals—both men and women—from Laotian officials. Immigration officers and partner agencies screened the group, separated any potential trafficking victims, and reviewed case files. Initial findings showed no human trafficking victims or wanted persons among them.
Investigators determined that all 32 had worked as online gambling administrators in Cambodia before border clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces prompted them to return to Thailand. They subsequently traveled to Vientiane, Laos, and rented accommodations to operate illegal gambling websites around the clock in two 12-hour shifts, earning 15,000 to 18,000 baht per month.
On July 22, 2025, Laotian authorities launched a major crackdown on illegal gambling networks and human trafficking, arresting 373 Thai nationals. Of that total, 32 were returned on this date, with 341 others still awaiting repatriation proceedings.
