Illegal forest gambling den in Chon Buri raided, 29 arrested including policeman
A thicket on the outskirts of Ban Phu Thai village, Chon Buri province, hid an illicit hi-lo gambling den until October 24. Banglamung police and administrative authorities, acting on local complaints, raided the operation at 10.30pm.
The police arrested 29 individuals, including one who appeared to be a policeman, in the hidden den within the forested landscape.
Upon the raid, police seized a variety of gambling paraphernalia, which included five hi-lo scoreboards, five plates, eight lids, over 610 dice, and gambling chips valued at 15,000 baht (US$413). Furthermore, the police confiscated 36 money paddles and assorted cash amounts.
The gambling activities seemed to be well documented, as notebooks detailing rental fees during gambling sessions were found. The records revealed daily payments of 12,000 baht to the unknown landowner and 2,000 baht to the den personnel. The entries in the notebooks indicated that the hi-lo operations began on October 12.
The raid led to the apprehension of 29 alleged gamblers, consisting of 21 males and eight females. The sudden appearance of the police spurred some gamblers to attempt escape by darting into the forest or a nearby pond’s water. However, the officials had effectively cordoned off all exit points, leading to the successful capture of all suspects, reported The Pattaya News.
In an unexpected turn of events, one of the suspects, identified as Chamnong Rodrit, turned out to be a 47 year old police sergeant. Found with gambling equipment and video clips, which are thought to have been recorded to prevent cheating, Chamnong’s involvement came as a surprise.
Further, a search conducted on the gamblers’ vehicles yielded a CZ 9mm pistol equipped with 10 rounds of ammunition. The firearm is registered to an unidentified police officer, who has since been suspended pending further investigation. Another firearm, belonging to an individual known only as Thanu and four concealed knives were discovered stashed within the vehicles.
The 29 suspects, including the police sergeant, were relocated to Huay Yai Police Station for subsequent legal proceedings. Banglamung police are now intensifying their efforts to apprehend the landowner, known only by the nickname Sia Mong.
Phisit Sirisawadinukul, the Banglamung district chief, revealed that the raid was a response to public complaints about gambling activities in the locality. He assured that Banglamung law enforcement would continue to diligently combat all illegal activities in the district.
