Loxley to sue government over online lotto ambiguity

BANGKOK, 4 January 2010 (NNT) – The executives of Loxley GTECH Plc, the concessionaire of the government’s online lottery project, called an urgent meeting this morning after the prime minister has appointed a panel to seek within 30 days ways to cancel the project without hurting the government.

President of Loxley Group, Mr Treechak Tansuphasiri, affirmed that the company would file a suit against the government if the case was not treated justly. Although the online lottery contract has not yet been terminated, the rumor would drive foreign investors away. They might relocate their investment to Cambodia or Myanmar, said Mr Treechak.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday announced that he did not want online lottery and that he has appointed a committee, chaired by Thai Trade Representative Kiat Sittheeamorn to look into legal provision and consider other alternatives to avert the project within 30 days.

The Prime Minister instructed the panel to study and suggest the least affected option as the contract constraint is likely to lead to prosecution flare.