Police Raid Pattaya Seafood Shop, Bust Gambling Den, Arrest 18
Police in Pattaya raided a seafood restaurant that was serving as a front for an illegal Dragon‑Tiger gambling operation, arresting 18 gamblers and seizing cash, cards, and equipment. The lookout attempted to warn those inside but was caught before the signal could be sent. Authorities have transferred the suspects and evidence to investigators for further questioning and potential charges.
Chonburi – Police raided a seafood restaurant being used as a front for a Dragon‑Tiger gambling den in central Pattaya. On October 8, 2023, Pol. Col. Anek Sratongyoo, Superintendent of Pattaya City Police, led officers to search the restaurant in Soi Thepprasith 8, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district after receiving information that an illegal Dragon‑Tiger gambling operation was being run inside the building.
During the raid, officers detained 18 male and female gamblers and seized evidence including 46,980 baht in cash, 30 decks of cards, card‑dealing boxes, card‑pushers, betting tables for Dragon‑Tiger, score display screens, and other gambling paraphernalia.
Investigators learned that the venue operated a normal seafood restaurant on the ground floor while the gambling took place upstairs, with a lookout stationed in the restaurant to monitor police movements and warn those inside. After receiving a tip, police surveilled the restaurant and saw players gradually going up to the second floor, prompting an immediate search.
The lookout spotted the officers and tried to alert the gamblers by phone, but was apprehended before the warning could be passed, leaving the players upstairs unaware. When police reached the upper‑floor room, they found 18 men and women seated around a table placing bets on Dragon‑Tiger, with a Cambodian woman about 30 years old dealing the cards. Upon seeing the police, everyone appeared startled and tried to compose themselves, but could not escape. Officers detained all of them and confiscated the evidence.
Pol. Col. Anek Sratongyoo ordered that the suspects and seized items be transferred to the Pattaya City Police investigation unit for questioning, to determine each person’s role and to pursue legal action.
