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dirtydog

In this brochure, Savan Vegas is described as a five-star hotel and the first complete entertainment complex in Laos, which also includes a casino.

Despite the economic gloom, a new casino just across the border in Laos is doing brisk business.

Every day at least 1,000 Thais play games of chance at the Savan Vegas near the town of Savannakhet.

Close to 100 vans a day bring Thais from provinces in the Northeast to Mukdahan, for a ride across the second Friendship Bridge to the casino, which started operations on April 5 - 10 days ago.

Each and every van was packed with eager passengers, who are quickly transferred to vehicles waiting on the other side. These then head for the Savan Vegas Hotel, which is less than a 30minute drive away.

At the hotel, each driver is given at least Bt4,900 for bringing the customers over. All are transported free from their hometowns, and plied with free drink and food while gambling.

The well furnished Savan Vegas is equipped with 300 slot machines and 80 gaming tables.

"Everything is free except hot Ovaltine," said Nopporn, who wished to be referred only by his first name. He is a frequent visitor at the Savan Vegas.

"I carry between Bt20,000 and Bt30,000 into the casino every day. I lose some bets but also win some," Nopporn said. "I believe I don't lose that much on average."

On lucky days, he says he can win a six figure sum. "On bad days, I may lose all my money," he added. "Sometimes, van drivers offer loans."

Vichien, a van ownercumdriver, said he used to drive customers to a casino in Poi Pet but had switched to Savan Vegas because it was closer.

"My business has been good since it opened," said Vichien, who also refused to reveal his surname.

"I get Bt4,900 daily for driving people from Amnat Charoen to the Friendship Bridge, but drivers who bring customers from Ubon Ratchathani or Udon Thani can get between Bt5,000 and Bt6,000," he said.

Yupin, a 56 year old woman from Ubon Ratchathani, admits she loves gambling.

"I used to try my luck in Cambodia but I think going to a casino in Laos is better because we speak the same language," she said, conceding that she did lose money from time to time.

"I borrow from the van driver if I lose all my money," she said. "With more money to spend, there is still a chance to win or break even."

She has no plans to kick her gambling habit, but advises others to stay away from casinos.

"Don't drop in if you can. Gambling has destroyed the lives of many people," Yupin said. She also spoke on condition her surname be withheld.

Amnat Charoen Tourism Business Club president Somporn Butta said Savan Vegas was becoming a popular destination among Thais living close to the border.

"Casino goers include businessmen, traders and government officials.

Some say they just want to try something new," Somporn said.

Most customers were women, he said, and many of them teachers.

However, he had a stern warning for people heading to the casino.

"Beware of illintentioned people who know that gamblers and drivers carry a lot of cash. They may lure victims into their vehicles claiming they come from the casino, and maybe even end up killing people just to get their money," he said.

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