Poipet is a border town in Banteay Meanchey Province, Cambodia which is about 200 m (660 ft) from the Thai border, just opposite of the Thai city of Aranyaprathet.[3][4] Under Cambodian law gambling is prohibited for citizens, but is allowed for foreigners. Because most types of gambling are also illegal in Thailand,[1] Poipet is popular with Thai gamblers.[1] The Grand Diamond City is a casino hotel which backs onto the Thai border. The business employs 400 staff.[1] The casino was owned by fugitive Thai politician Vatana Asavahame, aged 86 at the time of the fire, who was sentenced in absentia to three years in jail for land-procurement fraud.[5]
At 23:30 on 28 December 2022, a fire broke out in the Grand Diamond City when hundreds of people were in the building.[1] At least 27 people were killed (most of them as a result of smoke inhalation or falling)[further explanation needed] and 112 others were injured.[3] Seventeen of the dead were Thai nationals, and one each were Nepalese, Malaysian, and Chinese.[3] At least 27 of the injured were treated in hospitals.[3]
