A well-known Thai internet celebrity was arrested for promoting online gambling. The arrest, led by Police Major General Chirawat Payungtham and Police Major General Wiwat Kamchamnan, took place yesterday (November 13) and aimed to crack down on crimes affecting the public, as stated by Police General Kittirat Phanphet.
The arrest occurred at a gas station in the Thonburi area, highlighting the police's focus on arresting influential social figures who misuse their status to encourage illegal activities such as online gambling.
Sek Atsada, also known as Tee Oros, was found promoting online gambling through his personal Facebook account. He posted a link to a popular gambling website, enticing the public, including vulnerable teenagers, to participate.
During the interrogation, Sek admitted to personally advertising for the site and receiving 30,000 Thai Baht for promotional fees. Chirawat stated that he acknowledged his role in promoting the site and influencing online gambling promotions.
"Influencers like Tee Oros set a bad example and mislead many, especially the youth," said Chirawat.
This highlights the ongoing efforts of the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) to combat crimes that significantly impact citizens. The focus is on individuals with social influence, such as internet celebrities and YouTube users, who can sway public opinion and behavior.
The arrest is part of a broader action to implement stricter regulations on online gambling. The police are keen to dismantle illegal activities that use social media and other online platforms to lure unsuspecting users into online gambling, necessitating lawful arrests.
Chirawat stated that such actions are crucial for maintaining public order and protecting citizens from the adverse effects of online gambling.
"Our mission is to protect the public from the harms of online gambling and ensure that those who use their influence for illegal gains are held accountable by the law," he added.
The case against Sek is still under trial, with charges including organizing and promoting gambling, directly or indirectly encouraging public participation in gambling activities. According to KhaoSod, the police will continue their investigation and are expected to take further action against individuals involved in the network.
Newsflare reported the arrest of internet celebrity Araya Suwannachote for illegally promoting online gambling. Facing financial difficulties, the influencer turned to promoting gambling websites, while Thai cyber police increasingly scrutinize digital online crimes.
The news of the influencer's arrest reveals the risks of influencer marketing and the importance of cyber police in maintaining online security order in their online advertising strategies.
