An Irish model was today facing up to a year in a Thai jail for promoting illegal betting sites in revealing photos.
Jessie Vard, from Donegal, moved to Bangkok, Thailand, as a child and has since amassed millions of fans since becoming a glamour model.
The 19-year-old was among 15 models who were named in warrants summoning them to appear at court which were issued by police last week.
Yesterday, the model and four other girls reportedly turned themselves in at Bangkok’s Phayathai Police Station. She reportedly confessed to violating anti-gambling laws, which carry a maximum penalty of a year in prison or a fine of 1,000 baht (£24).
Vard apologised publicly on behalf of the entire group of models who allegedly promoted the gambling sites.
![Irish model Jessie Vard (pictured) was today facing up to a year in a Thai jail after being charged over revealing shots of her promoting betting sites](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/06/20/15/4D6FCF4C00000578-0-image-a-38_1529506726907.jpg)
Irish model Jessie Vard (pictured) was today facing up to a year in a Thai jail after being charged over revealing shots of her promoting betting sites
![She reportedly confessed to violating anti-gambling laws, which carry a maximum penalty of a year in prison or a fine of 1,000 baht (£24). Vard (centre) then apologised publicly on behalf of the entire group of models who allegedly promoted the gambling sites](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/06/20/15/4D6FCF7000000578-0-image-m-40_1529506736867.jpg)
She reportedly confessed to violating anti-gambling laws, which carry a maximum penalty of a year in prison or a fine of 1,000 baht (£24). Vard (centre) then apologised publicly on behalf of the entire group of models who allegedly promoted the gambling sites
![Vard (pictured) was among 15 models who were named in warrants summoning them to appear at court which were issued by police last week](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/06/20/15/4D6FCD6700000578-0-image-a-39_1529506733857.jpg)
Vard (pictured) was among 15 models who were named in warrants summoning them to appear at court which were issued by police last week
She said: ‘I did not know that gambling sites were illegal. I apologise to everybody and accept my mistake. Please do not become involved with these sites.’
The other models charged were Paradee Koosinsap, 21, Saitarn Yim-ampai, 20, Nirada Kuenonkun, 25, and Thanyakarn Lojin, 23. They have all been released on bail and will be sentenced later this month.
Ahead of the World Cup, Thai authorities have been cracking down on football gambling and the ‘net pretties’ who promote them online.
Major General Panurat Lakboon, deputy head of Bangkok’s Metropolitan Police, said 1,115 people have been arrested on charges related to online gambling since May 2 this year. Bank accounts worth more than a million dollars had also been frozen as a result, he said.
Police General Chalermkeate Sriworakhan, Deputy Commisioner General of the Royal Thai Police, added: ‘Net idols or pretties who have online followers are not allowed to post anything gambling related or suggestive to gamble activities.
![](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/06/20/16/4D6FCF7400000578-5865965-image-a-62_1529507682096.jpg)
Yesterday, the model and four other girls reportedly turned themselves in at Bangkok’s Phayathai Police Station
![Ahead of the World Cup, Thai authorities have been cracking down on football gambling and the 'net pretties' who promote them online. Vard is pictured above](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/06/20/15/4D6FCE6800000578-0-image-a-30_1529506678573.jpg)
Ahead of the World Cup, Thai authorities have been cracking down on football gambling and the ‘net pretties’ who promote them online. Vard is pictured above
![Major General Panurat Lakboon, deputy head of Bangkok's Metropolitan Police, said 1,115 people have been arrested on charges related to online gambling since May 2 this year](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/06/20/15/4D6FCE4000000578-0-image-a-32_1529506694702.jpg)
Major General Panurat Lakboon, deputy head of Bangkok’s Metropolitan Police, said 1,115 people have been arrested on charges related to online gambling since May 2 this year
![Jessie Vard, shown in another revealing photo, has publicly apologised after turning herself in at Bangkok's Phayathai Police Station](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/06/20/16/4D6FCE7400000578-5865965-image-m-71_1529508024511.jpg)
Jessie Vard, shown in another revealing photo, has publicly apologised after turning herself in at Bangkok’s Phayathai Police Station
![She moved to Bangkok, Thailand, as a child and has since amassed millions of fans since becoming a glamour mode](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/06/20/16/4D6FCE3600000578-5865965-image-a-70_1529508014129.jpg)
She moved to Bangkok, Thailand, as a child and has since amassed millions of fans since becoming a glamour mode
‘Fifteen net idols are included in warrant calls for posting gambling suggestive posts on social media including the infamous Miss Jessy Vard.
‘During the World Cup there will be heavier patrols to check on pubs and bars near schools and community areas. Please enjoy the sports but don’t be involved in gambling.’
The arrests of the models follows the arrest last month of native sports columnist Buranit Ratanawichien who was charged with promoting gambling. He received a one month suspended jail sentence and was fined 1,000 baht (£24).
Despite being illegal, the gambling industry – including sports betting, casinos, lotteries and cards dens – makes up the equivalent of billions of pounds each year in the country’s underground economy.
Earlier this month, a bizarre football match between elephants and school boys was held close to Bangkok to encourage youngsters to stay away from gambling.
During the 2014 World Cup, Thai police arrested more than 5,000 individuals involved in illegal betting. So far this year, more than 750 people have been arrested.
![Jessie Vard (pictured) accused of posing in sexy pictures to advertise illegal gambling websites](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/06/20/16/4D6FCE0500000578-5865965-image-a-72_1529508105686.jpg)
Jessie Vard (pictured) accused of posing in sexy pictures to advertise illegal gambling websites
![The 19-year-old, from Donegal, Ireland, reportedly faces up to a year in a Thai jail](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/06/20/16/4D6FCDA400000578-5865965-image-a-74_1529508133604.jpg)
The 19-year-old, from Donegal, Ireland, reportedly faces up to a year in a Thai jail