Sattahip squad busts a gamble of gals in illegal gaming ring

Police in Sattahip arrested a group of Thai women for illegal gambling after receiving a tip-off from concerned citizens. The women were caught playing Pok Deng behind a local restaurant near the Bang Saray Night Market.

Police responded immediately to the report and apprehended four women. Evidence seized at the scene included a deck of Pok Deng cards, 240 baht (US$7) in cash, and a cloth used for the game. The suspects were transported to Sattahip Police Station for further legal proceedings.

The women were charged with violating the Gambling Act of 1935, specifically for engaging in unauthorised gambling for financial gain. During questioning, the suspects revealed that they had been misled by social media reports, which claimed that playing cards had been legalised in Thailand. One of the suspects admitted they were unaware of the requirement to obtain legal permission from relevant officials before engaging in such activities.

“We saw many posts online saying it was legal to play cards now, and we thought it was okay to do it anywhere.”

Sattahip police emphasised that while some forms of gambling might appear to be legalised, they often require proper business licenses, appropriate locations, and partnerships with district officials. Private games, such as the one the women were involved in, remain illegal without the necessary permissions, reported The Pattaya News.