Bet your bottom baht: Phuket cops cash in on secret gambling bust
Thalang Police swooped on an underground gambling ring in Srisoonthorn, Phuket, arresting 11 people during a targeted raid led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Suchart Luecha. The operation took place at a worker’s residence in Village 4, Srisoonthorn, yesterday, November 19, resulting in a high-profile haul and hefty charges for those involved.
Among the arrested were nine women and two men, all identified by the police. The female suspects include 53 year old Chabaprai Kamnamchan of Thepkrasattri subdistrict, who now faces an additional charge as the alleged organiser.
Others arrested were 43 year old Apichanya Phumipan from Cherng Talay, 54 year old Wasukan Champiklang from Roi Et, 60 year old Sai Inphuwa of Thalang, 67 year old Pimchan Thepkorat from Bueng Kan, 54 year old Aphinphon Thapsuri of Khon Kaen, 61 year old Kraisak Kaewprasit from Phuket, 46 year old Rasami Unwiset of Bueng Kan, and 45 year old Boonchia Pongchaichom from Nakhon Phanom.
The two men taken into custody were 57 year old Surasak Petchrat from Nong Khai and 53 year old Surakarn Dason from Khon Kaen. Police officers seized essential gambling paraphernalia at the scene, including a Hi-Lo betting board, a tile saucer and cover, a set of dice, and 1,310 baht in cash.
The accused have been charged with collaborating with others to gamble (Hi-Lo) and bet on property without permission. Police have warned that this crackdown is part of an ongoing effort to dismantle illegal gambling networks in Phuket, urging others to take heed as they enforce a zero-tolerance policy.
For Kamnamchan, the alleged organiser, the repercussions could be severe, as additional penalties may be sought. This raid stands as a stark reminder of the risks associated with illicit gambling and the vigilance of local law enforcement, reported Phuket News.
In related news, a young man addicted to gambling has been apprehended after stealing his relative’s ATM card and withdrawing nearly 500,000 baht until the account was empty. He used the money for gambling and later fled to become a monk, hoping for forgiveness. However, the relative reported the theft to the police, leading to his arrest on November 15.
