Recently, the Cambodian government announced a severe crackdown on both online and offline illegal gambling activities, with immediate action taken in Poipet city.
Citizens reported numerous tuk-tuks and private cars in Poipet city streets plastered with illegal online gambling advertisements. Following these reports, the police swiftly initiated a cleanup operation, issuing warnings to about 60 vehicle drivers and removing all the advertisements from the vehicles.
The Chief of Poipet City Police, Bron Bithser, personally led the enforcement action. He stated that the police had advised 54 tuk-tuk drivers and 5 car drivers to immediately remove the gambling advertisements from their vehicles, revealing that starting Wednesday (11th), the police would adopt even stricter measures according to the law.
It is understood that some illegal online gambling companies pay between 12 to 21 US dollars (approximately 53 to 93 MYR) per month to rent tuk-tuks or motorcycles as advertising tools.
The Cambodian Ministry of Interior had already ordered a strict crackdown on both online and offline promotional activities related to illegal gambling on the 4th, demanding content creators, internet celebrities, and netizens to stop producing or promoting these illegal activities.
Meanwhile, the National Police of Cambodia issued a notice demanding all individuals who post online gambling advertisements to remove the related content by the 10th, or face severe penalties.
The Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Manet, also convened a full cabinet meeting on the 7th, emphasizing that provincial and municipal governments and relevant departments should intensify efforts to combat online gambling crimes.
Against the backdrop of the government's strong measures, Poipet city undoubtedly became the "frontline" of this crackdown. The local police will first cut off the channels for illegal online gambling advertisements, and then strengthen the inspection of related areas.
With the intensification of the cleanup efforts, the online gambling activities in Poipet city may face a severe test.
