Five “net idols” report to the police to acknowledge charges

Five so-called “net idols” reported  to Phya Thai police on Tuesday to acknowledge the charge of posting statements in the social media persuading teenagers to engage in World Cup soccer betting.

One of the five, Ms Jessy Ward, offered an apology, claiming that she didn’t know what she did was illegal and promised not to repeat the offence and, at the same time, urged teenagers not to indulge in gambling.

The young model claimed that she was hired by a betting webpage to do the advertising to persuade people to gamble online, adding that there were several other offers for her to do likewise.

Metropolitan police deputy commissioner Pol Maj-Gen Panurat Lakboon said he was worried that teenagers who were fans of the “net idols” might follow their invitation to carry out soccer betting.

As for the five suspects, he said that although the penalties were lenient, he would like them to behave properly and to be a good example for their fans.

They were later escorted by the police to Dusit District Court for prosecution.

As for the other nine “net idols” who have yet to report to the police, Pol Maj-Gen Panurat said second summonses would be issued against them.

A total of 1,115 gamblers and bookmakers have been arrested since the start of the World Cup tournament and more than 33 million baht in bets have been impounded.