Thai Authorities Raid Illegal Gambling Den, Arrest Dozens

Thai authorities have cracked down on an illegal gambling operation, arresting dozens of people and seizing thousands of dollars in cash. The raid came amid continued disputes about launching regulated casinos in the country.

Dozens of People Were Arrested

According to a report by the Bangkok Post, authorities, including police officers and district officials, carried out an operation in which they dismantled an illegal gambling den. The authorities learned of the illegal casino thanks to a tip-off, according to a statement by Nonthaburi Governor Kiattisak Trongsiri.

Located inside a warehouse in Bang Yai district, Nonthaburi, the venue allowed players to engage in illegal games of chance. The entire property was sealed off by a fence and had been converted into a full-fledged casino that even had air conditioning.

After scaling the fence and raiding the den, officials discovered dozens of gamblers. According to the Bangkok Post, a total of 54 people were arrested, which included 46 locals and 8 foreigners. In addition to the arrests, the police seized 218,340 baht (approximately $6,700) in cash. Officials also seized a number of gambling machines and equipment.

As of the time of this writing, it is unknown for how long this illegal gambling den has been operating. Experts are currently examining CCTV footage to determine that.

The Suspects Face Charges

According to Kiattisak, the raid on the illegal gambling venue was part of a continued effort to curb illegal gambling and protect the public from harm. He emphasized that illegal gambling operators are dangerous as they fuel debt and expose players to risks of gambling harm.

As a result, all suspects involved in the operation now risk a variety of charges, including AML ones.

This comes shortly after Thailand banned its citizens from crossing into neighboring Cambodia to work at local entertainment venues, gambling dens, and casinos. This decision came amid escalating tensions between the two countries.

Thailand’s Casino Efforts Continue

In the meantime, Thailand continues its efforts to legalize casino resorts, despite growing opposition from citizens and various organizations. Some opponents have critiqued the efforts to legalize gambling and expose vulnerable locals to the risk of harm, while others have scrutinized the government’s rushed regulatory framework, claiming that it lacks the experience to properly enact its plans.

Industry proponents, however, are excited about the prospects of integrated resorts in Thailand, believing that the country can become one of Asia’s big gaming hubs.