Eight Thais, one illegal alien caught in Phuket gambling raid

PHUKET: Eight Thai nationals and one illegal Laotian were arrested for gambling in Patong on Tuesday.

Police raided a rented room on Phra Metta Road after having been tipped off by locals about a group of people who were gathered there to gamble, Lt Col Sutthichai Thianpho of the Patong Police told the Phuket Gazette yesterday.

“There were nine people gambling in the room when we arrived. They tried to escape, but we managed to arrest them all,” said Lt Sutthichai.

The eight Thai nationals were named as Thongdaeng Phanphinic, 58; Prawat Jankaew, 54; Pui Pulsawang, 69; Prakai Pulsawang, 44; Suchart Huanjing, 52; Kesorn Nonthawong, 34; Thanakorn Rattanakdee, 56; and Virachai Wongtapa, 17. The illegal Laotian caught in the bust was named as Haitoon Chaiwong, 41.

Officers seized gambling paraphernalia and 280 baht in cash.

“All nine suspects were charged for gambling. Ms Thongdaeng will also face more serious charges for leading the game,” Lt Suttichai confirmed.

“In addition, Mr Haitoon was charged for illegally entering Thailand.”

— Kongleaphy Keam