Police Sergeant 'Jao Suea' Clarifies He Played Dice Game with Relatives at Home, Not Running Illegal Gambling Den
A Highway Police sergeant denies running an illegal gambling den, claiming he only played dice with family at home, but faces charges after a young man allegedly lost 120,000 baht in a game at his house in Phatthalung Province. Shop owners
Police Sergeant 'Jao Suea' Clarifies He Played Dice Game with Relatives at Home, Not Running Illegal Gambling Den. Meanwhile, shop owners report that the same officer regularly collects 'protection fees' of 1,000-2,000 baht per establishment.
The case stems from a complaint by Yupapon, 46, and Thanasak, 53, parents of a 20-year-old man with a brain condition. Their son was allegedly lured by Sergeant 'Jao Suea,' attached to Region 9 Highway Police, into playing hi-lo gambling at a house in Muang District, Phatthalung Province, losing over 120,000 baht in the early morning hours of April 28. They filed a complaint at Muang Phatthalung Police Station.
After the story broke, Yupapon stated that the sergeant called and asked to discuss the matter before they file a report, promising to return all 120,000 baht and asking them to tell media it was a misunderstanding. However, the mother refused and proceeded with filing the complaint.
On April 30, 2569, Muang Phatthalung Police investigators prepared to question the victims further and proceeded to file charges against the sergeant for gambling violations and fraud.
Yupapon expressed concern that because the accused is a police officer, the internal investigation might be biased.
Police Region 9 Commander Major General Marut Ruangjintana confirmed that the officer in question does work in the investigation unit of Region 9 Highway Police. An investigation committee has been established and is expected to reach conclusions within days. The commander stated that whether further disciplinary action will be taken depends on the investigation results and emphasized commitment to fairness for both complainants and the accused.
In his preliminary statement, the sergeant clarified that he only played hi-lo during a home gathering with extended family during the festival season and denies operating a gambling den as alleged.
Shop owners in Muang Phatthalung report that the sergeant regularly collects 1,000-2,000 baht in 'protection fees' from snack and general stores throughout the province, not just in Muang District. They noted this is not exclusive to this sergeant, as water police and railway police also collect similar fees.
