Gambling dens in villages within the New Mon State Party (NMSP)-controlled areas along the Thai-Myanmar border have decreased following public criticism from local residents and border monitoring groups, according to local sources.
Since late January, gambling operations had been running for nearly a month in Palai Japan, Ywarthitpaing, and Battalion 3 villages within NMSP territory. Currently, all gambling dens in Battalion 3 village have been shut down, but one remains open in Palai Japan. A source close to the NMSP stated that these operations are not linked to Chinese-run gambling businesses in Payathonzu.
“A few days before the KNU ordered the closure of gambling dens in Payathonzu, they had already started appearing. Both locals and visitors from Payathonzu were gambling there. However, due to public criticism, they have temporarily halted operations,” the source said.
Reports indicate that these gambling dens offer various casino-style games such as slot machines, card games, fish shooting games, and high-stakes betting. It is also alleged that business operators, in collaboration with individuals close to NMSP officials, pay taxes to keep these establishments running.
A border observer raised concerns over NMSP permitting gambling operations while the DKBA has been shutting down casinos operated by Chinese nationals.
“The person running it is said to be the son of an NMSP official. Those monitoring Mon affairs and political analysts have criticized the situation. With the Chinese operations shut down by the Karen groups, if the NMSP is now allowing gambling, they could face backlash, damaging their reputation,” the observer said.
In Payathonzu, Chinese-owned casinos, suspected of being involved in illegal wildlife trade, led Thai authorities to impose restrictions on electricity and fuel imports into the area on February 5.
On February 9, the DKBA issued a statement ordering all Chinese nationals engaged in illegal businesses, including gambling and restaurant operations in Payathonzu, to leave the area by February 28. As a result, many of these casinos were shut down and reportedly relocated to NMSP-controlled areas, according to Karen Information Center (KIC) reports on February 17.
While reports of tax collection and gambling den operations persist, the NMSP has yet to respond to IMNA’s inquiries. However, an NMSP official told Kaowao News Group that the party’s central leadership had not approved casino operations in Battalion 3 villages.
