Police Probe Officers Over Chiang Mai Gambling Bust

A major crackdown on underground gambling in central Chiang Mai has triggered a police investigation into five officers from two stations. On September 18, Deputy Interior Minister General Peer Suwannachavee led a special operation that simultaneously raided two illegal casinos codenamed "Baan Pattrawai" in the Santitham area and "Baan Sri Ping Muang" near Kad Wiang Ping market, detaining over 100 people and seizing approximately 2 million baht in cash and chips.

The investigation, announced on September 19, will examine whether officers at Chiang Mai City Police Station and Chiang Phueak Police Station were involved in the operations or negligently allowed them to continue. Officers discovered the casinos operated as permanent establishments with organized staff shifts, CCTV systems, security guards, and electronic payment systems for chip exchanges. Financial records dating back to 2565 have been seized for further investigation.

During the raid at Santitham, some staff attempted to flee, with reports that several jumped from the second floor. A notable discovery was a municipal councillor's contact information appearing on an employee's phone during questioning, prompting the deputy minister to speak directly with the individual. Investigators also found lease agreements and links to previously arrested gambling operations, indicating a broader network requiring further examination.