THAI CREDIT CARD COMPANY PURSUED BY LICENCING ZEALOTS

8 June 2007

Is this really illegal gambling?

A Thai credit card company has found itself in trouble with the authorities for introducing a frequent user program that enforcers believe constitutes illegal gambling.

The Bangkok Post reports the Crime Suppression Division is considering criminal legal action against Krungsriayudhya Card Company for alleged involvement in illegal gambling.

The company's recently launched credit card usage promotion program is the cause of the fuss and has been called into question by the Department of Provincial Administration's (DPA) bureau of investigation and legal affairs, which asked police to intervene, claiming the company's actions violated the 1935 Gambling Act.

According to the bureau's complaint, the company invited its card-holders to join the two-month program, which was launched on May 15 and will last until July 15. Under the scheme, credit card-holders who spend through their cards will receive 10 to 100 percent of the money back if the last two or three digits of an approval code on a sales slip match random figures set by the company.

Card-holders are required to send an SMS to confirm their intention to take part in the program.

According to police sources, the bureau of investigation and legal affairs considers the promotion program an act of gambling, which needs to be approved by the bureau, the authorised agency that is responsible for issuing gambling licences. Since the Krungsriayudhya Card Co has failed to obtain permission for its promotion program from the agency, the scheme is deemed as violating the gambling law.

The police and prosecution authorities have yet to make a final decision on the matter.

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