Chiang Mai Gambling Raids Arrest Over 100, Seize 2 Million Baht
Thai authorities raided two major gambling operations in Chiang Mai Thursday night, arresting over 100 gamblers and seizing 2 million baht in cash and chips following community complaints.
Thailand's Department of Provincial Administration raided two major gambling dens in central Chiang Mai on Thursday night, arresting more than 100 gamblers and seizing cash and gambling chips worth more than 2 million baht.
The operation was led by Noppal Pheer Suwannachai, head of a special operations team from the Department of Provincial Administration, following complaints from residents about large gambling operations allegedly operating in local communities.
The first raid targeted the Phattharawan gambling den in the Santitham community. Officers entered the first floor of Phattharawan Place on Soi Sermsuk Road in Chang Phueak subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai district. The area had been converted into a large gambling hall offering several types of gambling, including Hi-Lo, fish-shooting arcade games and baccarat. The venue had strict security measures, with a counter for collecting gamblers' mobile phones and body searches conducted before entry.
The second raid targeted the Si Ping Muang gambling den in the Haiya community, located at Kad Wiang Ping food centre on Si Ping Muang Road in Haiya subdistrict. The single-storey building reportedly had only one entrance and exit, with security guards strictly collecting communication devices from visitors. Inside, officers found gambling involving animal pictures and a traditional dice game known as Nam Tao Pu Pla, also referred to locally as Mak Hok Lok or Bak Tok Khon. The game used four animal-shaped dice on a large table.
Foreign workers were reportedly employed to take bets and pay out winnings. Both Thai and foreign gamblers were said to have frequented the venue throughout the day.
The raids followed complaints received by the Department of Provincial Administration. Officials from its Investigation and Legal Affairs Bureau conducted surveillance and undercover investigations at the two locations before gathering sufficient information to launch the operation. Investigators found that both gambling dens had extensive security systems designed to detect approaching authorities, including dozens of surveillance cameras and guards monitoring the premises.
Officials also allegedly observed gambling operators collecting cash and placing it in large handbags, reportedly for delivery to people believed to be behind the operations. Some Cambodian nationals were also found working at the venues, potentially violating Thailand's Gambling Act of 1935 and the Emergency Decree on Non-Thai Nationals' Working Management of 2017.
Special operations officers simultaneously surrounded both locations to prevent escapes and quickly took control of the premises. Authorities arrested more than 100 gamblers, including two foreign nationals, as well as 14 people allegedly organising the gambling, including eight foreign nationals, and four people accused of supporting the gambling operations. Officials seized cash and gambling chips worth more than 2 million baht.
