A significant gambling operation in Bangkok’s Bang Khae district was disrupted Monday night, resulting in the arrest of twenty individuals and the confiscation of gambling chips valued at over 274.49 million Thai baht (approximately $7.4 million). The raid, a joint effort by officers from Phetkasem police station and Metropolitan Police Division 9 (MPD 9), followed intelligence reports confirming the illegal baccarat den operating within a residential building.
The operation, overseen by MPD 9 Commander Pol Maj Gen Khomsit Rangsai, led to the apprehension of ten Thai citizens and ten foreign nationals—three from China and seven from Myanmar. The ensuing chaos saw several gamblers attempting to escape, some sustaining minor injuries after jumping from windows. These individuals received medical attention before being taken into custody.
Confiscated items included three baccarat tables, nine computer monitors, three central processing units, the substantial quantity of gambling chips, 368,896 baht in cash, 44 decks of playing cards, and other gambling paraphernalia. All those arrested reportedly confessed to participating in the illegal gambling activities and face charges related to this offense. However, authorities suspect that additional individuals involved evaded capture during the raid and are actively pursuing further investigations to identify and apprehend them.
The suspects were transferred to Phetkasem police station to undergo legal proceedings. The crackdown highlights the intensified efforts by Thai authorities to curb illegal gambling, which is subject to severe penalties under Thai law. The ongoing investigation aims to locate and prosecute all those implicated in this high-stakes operation.
