Officer Suspended as Police Chief Orders Urgent Investigation into Gambling Charges Involving Intellectually Disabled Child
A Region 9 police officer has been suspended pending investigation into allegations he coerced an intellectually disabled child into illegal gambling while acting as dealer at a private residence in Phatthalung province.
Officer suspended from duty as police chief orders swift investigation into Region 9 officer allegedly soliciting intellectually disabled child to gamble. April 30, 2025 — Deputy Spokesperson Chaiyphatchon Suwannarak of the National Police Office revealed that a family in Phatthalung province filed a complaint through media alleging that a Region 9 police officer coerced their son, who has an intellectual disability, to participate in illegal hi-lo gambling at a private residence while serving as the dealer himself.
The national police chief has instructed the Region 9 commander to conduct an urgent fact-finding investigation and take immediate action where possible, with a report due the same day. Should wrongdoing be confirmed, particularly involving a police officer, strict disciplinary and criminal proceedings will be imposed without exception. The chief emphasized that gambling itself is already illegal, and the penalties for officers are significantly higher than for ordinary citizens, with no exemptions granted.
Meanwhile, the officer's original department has ordered him suspended from duty pending the investigation and any subsequent disciplinary action.
