Thai police raid Krabi gambling dens, seize 500,000 baht
Police in Krabi have taken decisive action against illegal gambling operations following numerous complaints from locals. A special operations team from the Department of Provincial Administration, led by Arsit Sampantharat, carried out a series of raids in the Mueang Krabi and Plai Phraya districts.
Investigators were tipped off through social media about a hidden gambling den in a palm plantation in Plai Phraya late last month. Despite its swift relocation, the police managed to uncover and raid two other dens in Mueang Krabi that continued to operate openly.
The raid resulted in the arrest of 65 individuals, including both dealers and gamblers. Officials seized over 500,000 baht in cash, noting that daily transactions at these establishments exceeded 1 million baht. The suspects were handed over to Mueang Krabi Police Station for further legal proceedings.
According to Arsit, locals identified these gambling dens as being under the control of a former prominent politician who held a monopoly over gambling activities in the area, effectively prohibiting other competitors. This monopoly was challenged by a rival operation in Plai Phraya, which provided transportation and three meals a day to lure gamblers from nearby provinces.
Tensions escalated as the Krabi-based gambling den responded by leaking footage online to undermine the rival operation. Arsit stressed that regardless of the influence wielded by those involved, the law would be enforced uniformly, reported Pattaya News.
In related news, immigration officers in Samut Prakan recently conducted a sweeping crackdown on illegal foreign residents and unlawful gambling activities. The operation, which took place on Sunday, September 1, was led by high-ranking officials including Police Lieutenant General Itthipol Itthisarnronnachai.
In other news, police from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested a well-known former boxer for promoting online gambling websites. The arrest took place on August 8, with the boxer admitting to receiving 2,500 baht per post. The man was charged with jointly announcing, advertising, or persuading others to engage in online gambling without permission.
