Phuket Town gamblers luck out: 22 arrested

PHUKET: A joint police raid on a house in Phuket Town on Thursday night netted 22 gamblers playing the popular “shrimp-fish-giant water bug-flower” [yes] board game.

Officers led by Lt Col Prawit Engchuan of Phuket City Police joined teams from the Phuket Provincial Police and Wichit Police in the raid, at the shophouse about 100 meters from Surakul Stadium (map here) at 11:50pm

Police seized 8,660 baht cash, six bet markers for 10,400 baht, 30 bet markers for 1,040 baht, gambling debt log books, and other gambling paraphernalia, including the board game.

“Our team of investigators learned the location of the gambling den from our informants. Players used the back door of the house to enter and exit the venue,” Col Prawit said.

“All 22 people were charged with gambling,” he added.

Sombat Issalolarn, 70, who identified himself as the owner of the house, was charged with providing a venue for illegal gambling.

Settaphat Nilkomol was charged with being a dealer for illegal gambling.

“Police arrested every person and seized all gambling property found at the venue. The suspects were taken to Phuket City Police Station to be charged, and then handed over to Wichit Police for further investigation,” he added.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong