Ayutthaya Authorities Raid Shrimp Fishing Pond Operating Illegal Gambling on Shrimp Weight with Even-Odd Number Betting
Authorities in Ayutthaya raided a shrimp fishing pond restaurant operating an illegal gambling scheme where customers bet on whether caught shrimp would weigh even or odd numbers, arresting the owner and nine gamblers.
At 9:00 PM on April 29, 2025, Chawanin Wongsathitjirakan, Governor of Ayutthaya Province, along with Deputy Governor Dechathon Chao-lekha, Provincial Secretary Suthee Lao-subin-prasert, and Uthai District Chief Krongtrī Papponsak Kantichaimongkol, ordered Provincial Security Commander Phurin Bunphupanthatin and his team members, in coordination with Uthai District officials and Uthai Police Station, to investigate complaints from residents regarding illegal gambling operations. The establishment operated as a shrimp fishing pond restaurant serving food and alcohol, but was also running illegal gambling where customers bet on the weight of caught shrimp, predicting whether the weight would be even or odd numbers. The shop was located in Uthai District, Ayutthaya Province.
Behavioral surveillance confirmed the shop operated as a restaurant with alcohol service and shrimp fishing activities, then had customers place bets on even-odd numbers based on the weight of shrimp they caught. Authorities planned to send undercover officers to photograph and record video evidence before conducting the raid.
When customers and gamblers saw the officials arrive, they were startled but cooperated with the inspection. Authorities initially arrested Anuwin (surname withheld), 59 years old, the shop owner, Suwan (surname withheld), 31 years old, and nine other gamblers. Seized items included one digital scale, one results prediction board, and 1,345 baht in cash.
Provincial Security Commander Phurin Bunphupanthatin stated that the raid resulted from complaints by residents about the shrimp pond illegally allowing customers to gamble on shrimp weight by predicting even-odd results based on the weight of caught shrimp. The pond was openly conducting gambling in front of children and youth using the restaurant and fishing services.
After thorough investigation and undercover surveillance confirming frequent gambling activity, authorities revealed their identities and made arrests. Suspects initially confessed and were charged with organizing illegal result-prediction gambling (shrimp weight betting) involving money or property in violation of the Gambling Act B.E. 2478, Section 4 Bis, and with participating in such illegal gambling. The suspects and all seized items were handed over to Uthai Police Station for further legal proceedings.
