Bangkok law enforcement is working actively to stamp out illegal gambling in the city and its neighboring provinces; particularly illegally operated slot machines.  The full scale assault on illegal slot machines began back in May 20^th.  It is the belief of law enforcement that within 40 days they will be able to route out and seize all illegal slot machines in the area.

The Justice Ministry received a survey from the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission the reported an increase illegal slot machines in Greater Bangkok.  It was this survey that inspired law enforcement to act.

There is no reason given as to why the illegal slot machine problem was allowed to develop in the first place.  According to Deputy metropolitan police commissioner Jakkrathip Chaichinda, law enforcement had not been turning a blind eye to the illegal machines.  Regardless of the past, Bangkok police believe they will resolve the issue in a little over a month.

The only reason that Chaichinda was able to give is that enforcement of some gambling laws unfortunately fell to the wayside with the tremendous workload facing law enforcement. Several unique tasks have plagued city police in recent months, among them was maintaining the peace during pressure group demonstrations.

However, not everyone is buying the excuses of the Deputy Commissioner.  Justice Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga believes the only reason why the presence of illegal slot machines has been aloud to increase is because of negligence from the police department.

According to the PACC the number of illegal slot machines to be found in Bangkok and the surrounding provinces approximately 218.