Poipet, a boomtown on the Khmer side of the Thai – Cambodian border, is known for two things: visa runs and gambling.
Just 3.5 hours away from Bangkok, Poipet is popular with tourists looking to exit and reenter Thailand’s border to gain more time in the kingdom.
Beyond the immigration office lies an otherwise unspectacular-looking urban municipality that transforms into a glittering, neon-lit gamblers’ Disneyland after dark.
In this Cambodian town, signs are in Thai language, casinos accept Thai baht only and, for the most, are part Thai-owned and staffed. Even 7-Eleven accepts Thai baht in Poipet.
Due to bizarre gambling laws, Poipet’s unique atmosphere hovers in a realm which is neither Cambodian nor Thai.
Gambling is illegal in Thailand aside from the government lottery, making Poipet the closest legal casino playground to Bangkok.
In Cambodia, gambling is illegal for…
