Bangkok’s grey gamble: Elderly caught playing their cards wrong

Police in Bangkok arrested a group of elderly people for illegal gambling, seizing 200 baht in cash and other gambling paraphernalia. The raid, prompted by complaints about parked vehicles blocking traffic, saw an 80 year old among the detainees engaging in a friendly game of chance with peers.

Police in Bangkok, led by high-ranking officials, launched a raid on a townhouse in the Thung Khru district yesterday. The operation, initiated after a tip-off about suspicious activity, resulted in the arrest of 21 individuals suspected of engaging in illegal gambling activities. The raid was coordinated by the Ratchaburana Police Station team, responding to public concerns about congestion and suspicious gatherings on Pracha Uthit 59 in Bang Mod.

Upon arrival, the police discovered a lively scene. The townhouse, which was the focal point of the operation, hosted a group of people deeply engrossed in a game of hi-lo, a popular yet illegal form of dice gambling.

The group consisted of nine men and 12 women, their ages ranging from 42 to 80 years. The police swiftly secured the premises to prevent any attempts to flee.

The operation resulted in the confiscation of several gambling items: a complete set of hi-lo equipment, including a covered cup and three dice, 200 baht (US$6) in cash, score sheets, and a foldable metal table. All 21 individuals were taken into custody for further questioning at the police station.

One of the key detainees, referred to as 80 year old, Nok, offered a glimpse into the nature of these gatherings. Nok explained that the hi-lo sessions were casual meet-ups among friends, mostly seniors, who sought to alleviate loneliness through social interaction and a bit of gambling. These gatherings, Nok said, were not frequent but occurred in various locations, including Bangkok and other provinces,

“It’s a way for us to chat and have fun, testing our luck with friends to beat the solitude.”

The police have charged 19 of the participants with illegal gambling. Meanwhile, the homeowner and another individual, identified as the organiser of the gambling activities, face additional charges for facilitating unauthorised gambling. Both have been handed over to investigators at the Ratchaburana Police Station for legal proceedings, reported KhaoSod.