Local Politician Calls Gambling Den Manager While Under Police Questioning

A local politician was intercepted calling someone managing a Chiang Mai gambling den while being questioned by police. The Interior Ministry deputy permanent secretary called back immediately. The politician claimed he had sent a security guard to protect the establishment.

September 18, 2026 – Following the case where Police General Palpeer Suvannavee, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry, led a special operations unit from the provincial administration department to raid and shut down two major illegal gambling dens in Muang District, Chiang Mai Province, including Pattaravon Den in Santitham community and Sri Ping Muang Den.

The dens employed Cambodian migrant workers as betting takers and cashiers, with Thai and foreign gamblers rotating throughout the day. Officers arrested over 100 gamblers, 14 operators (including 8 foreign nationals), and 4 supporters. Authorities seized approximately 2 million baht in cash and chips, along with rental documents linked to local politicians.

Latest reports indicate that while Palpeer was conducting searches at Sri Ping Muang Den, an unidentified local politician called to ask about a security guard managing the den who was being interrogated. The mobile phone displayed the caller's name as a Chiang Mai City Municipality council member.

During the search at Sri Ping Muang Den, a Chiang Mai City Municipality council member with the nickname K. called looking for the security guard managing the den, who was being interrogated by officers at the time.

Palpeer then called back the council member K. and questioned him for details. K. became startled and responded that he had sent the security guard to provide security for the den. Palpeer ordered officers to record the conversation and instructed them to proceed with legal action.