Fowl play: Ratchaburi cops ruffle feathers in illegal cockfighting raid

Ratchaburi cops raided an illegal cockfighting ring hidden in a forested area, apprehending 25 gamblers and charging them with three serious offences. The operation followed complaints from locals about the activities near Moo 7 in Ang Thong subdistrict.

Sutthiphong Phutthachantra, the district chief of Mueang Ratchaburi, received reports from locals about a makeshift cockfighting arena attracting numerous gamblers. Consequently, he tasked the special operations team of Mueang Ratchaburi, along with Ang Thong subdistrict special operations and Ratchaburi City police, to investigate the site mentioned in the complaints. Upon inspection, they discovered the cockfighting ring concealed deep within a forested area.

The police found an ongoing cockfight and managed to detain 25 male and female gamblers, although some managed to flee. They seized two fighting roosters, two rooster cages, one cockfighting ring, one digital timer, and the vehicles abandoned by those who escaped.

Upon questioning, the arrested individuals, mostly locals with some from neighbouring districts, revealed that the owner of the cockfighting ring regularly organised gambling events at the secluded location. These events typically took place between noon and 3pm.

The police informed the 25 detainees of their charges: organising illegal cockfighting gambling, gambling for assets without permission, and participating in illegal cockfighting gambling, reported KhaoSod.

“The location was chosen because it was hidden from public view,” stated one of the police involved in the operation.

The police documented the arrest and gathered all the confiscated items before handing them over to the investigators at Ratchaburi police station for further legal proceedings. They also issued summonses for those who managed to escape, requiring them to report and face charges.

In related news, Bang Lamung police led a crackdown on an illicit cockfighting gambling den nestled in Bang Lamung, Chon Buri, resulting in the arrest of 45 individuals.

Responding promptly to public grievances, Bang Lamung District Chief Veekit Manarotkit swiftly orchestrated a law enforcement sweep on February 11, targeting the covert den ensconced within Soi Baan Kreak, Nong Pla Lai. Covert operatives infiltrated the cockfighting circle while officers encircled the premises.