Interior Ministry Launches Gambling Den Crackdown in Chiang Mai
Thai authorities raided two illegal gambling operations in Chiang Mai, seizing evidence and arresting employees at locations generating millions of baht daily. The Interior Ministry vows swift penalties within two weeks following the coordi
At noon on September 22, Deputy Interior Minister Peer Suwannachawee briefed reporters after a cabinet meeting about the raid and arrests related to illegal gambling in Chiang Mai. He explained that officials received complaints from Chiang Mai residents and launched an investigation to gather evidence. Authorities flew to Lampang then drove to Chiang Mai to keep operations secret and prevent suspects from fleeing or destroying evidence.
At the first location in Sri Ping district, officials believe the operation generated over 2 million baht daily, divided into three shifts with payouts distributed three times per day. When guards were arrested, officers seized their phones as evidence and found daily income records. Calls and messages kept coming in asking about the raid status, revealing the operation's network.
Peer said the second location in Santitham was larger, with more dealers and gambling tables. When arrested, about 10 employees jumped from windows and fled down fire escapes, abandoning bags containing operational records that police will use to expand the investigation.
The Interior Ministry will revisit Chiang Mai soon to monitor progress and assess how thoroughly authorities are addressing the issue. Based on seized evidence, officials confirmed the gambling den operated for over a year, ruling out claims it was temporary or newly opened. Civil servants linked to the operation are being questioned. The ministry said it will not delay penalties for those involved and expects a full resolution within 7-15 days.
