26 arrested, but gambling boss escapes

PHUKET TOWN: Police raided a gambling den in a shack behind the Metropole Hotel early this morning, arresting 22 men and four women. Phuket Town Superintendent Pol Col Paween Pongsirin, who led the raid, said, “We acted on tips from our sources who said there were people gambling behind the hotel. We arrested 26 gamblers, who are all being held in prison.” Evidence collected at the scene included 1,000 baht cash, gambling chits, game sheets and dice. Col Paween said this morning’s arrests broke up a gambling ring controlled by one “big guy”, which had been operating for many years, frequently moving locations. The unnamed ring leader was not among those arrested. Col Paween said that investigations are continuing, and he hopes to make an arrest soon.