Police Raid Two Major Gambling Dens in Chiang Mai
Police arrested over 100 people in raids on two major gambling operations in Chiang Mai's Muang District on September 18, seizing more than 2 million baht in cash and equipment.
On September 18, 2024, Pol Peer Suvanachue, Deputy Interior Minister, led a special task force from the Department of Local Administration in "Operation Pink City Crackdown," raiding two gambling dens in central Chiang Mai and arresting over 100 gamblers and operators. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as Interior Minister, had instructed authorities to strictly enforce social order and suppress influential figures involved in illegal activities that harm the public. The Department of Local Administration received multiple complaints from residents suffering from the illegal gambling operations in Muang District, Chiang Mai, prompting authorities to conduct an investigation that uncovered two major gambling operations hidden in residential and commercial areas.
The first operation, Bhattharawai Gambling Den in the Santitham area on the first floor of Bhattharawai Place on Soi Semsuk Road, Changphueak Subdistrict, was a large renovated hall offering multiple forms of gambling including Hilo, fish-shooting machines, and baccarat. The venue had strict security measures including a counter for confiscating mobile phones and conducting body searches before entry.
The second operation, Sri Ping Muang Gambling Den in the Haiya area near the Kad Wiang Ping food center on Sri Ping Muang Road, operated in a single-story building with one entrance and security guards. It offered animal guessing games and dice games on large tables using four animal-shaped dice, with Cambodian workers handling bets and payouts. Gamblers, both Thai and foreign, rotated in and out throughout the day.
Investigations revealed both operations had sophisticated security systems with dozens of closed-circuit cameras, security guards on patrol, and a pattern of managers collecting cash into large bags for delivery to influential persons behind the scenes. Cambodian employees were found working at both locations. Officers arrested approximately 100 gamblers, including 2 foreign nationals, 14 operators or dealers, and 4 facilitators. Authorities seized over 2 million baht in cash and gaming chips, gaming equipment, bank accounts, and rental documents. All suspects and evidence have been transferred to Muang Chiang Mai Police Station for further legal proceedings.
