Authorities apprehend suspects involved in gambling, seizing a substantial sum of 274 million baht worth of gambling chips in a raid in Bangkok.
In a significant move against illegal gambling activities, the Phetkasem and Metropolitan Division 9 police, led by Pol Maj Gen Khomsit Rangsai, conducted a raid on Monday night in Bangkok's Bang Khae district. The operation was the culmination of an intelligence gathering operation and resulted in the impounding of various gambling equipment such as baccarat tables, computer monitors, CPUs, and decks of gambling cards.
Over 270 million baht worth of gambling chips were seized during the raid, an increase from the previously reported 270 million baht. In addition to the seized gambling chips, police also confiscated 368,896 baht in cash. Twenty individuals were arrested during the raid, including ten Thais, three Chinese nationals, and seven Myanmar nationals. All those detained during the raid were charged with colluding in illegal baccarat gambling activities.
The residence, found to have been converted for use as a major baccarat gambling den, was later cleared of gamblers, some of whom sustained minor injuries while attempting to escape through windows during the raid. The detained individuals were later taken to Phetkasem police station for legal processing.
As of now, baccarat and most forms of gambling are illegal in Thailand. The country has strict laws against gambling, dating back to the Gambling Act of 1935, which prohibits all forms of gambling except for the government-sponsored Thai lottery and horse racing. Violations of the gambling laws can result in fines, imprisonment, or both. However, the specific penalties for baccarat or other card games are not detailed in recent regulations.
In January 2025, the Thai government approved a draft law to legalize casinos and gambling as part of integrated resorts. This draft, known as the Integrated Entertainment Business Act, aims to regulate casino operations, boost tourism, and increase government revenue. It includes provisions for strict licensing and operational requirements, but it does not explicitly address online gambling or games like baccarat.
Online gambling, including baccarat, remains illegal in Thailand. Despite this, some Thais may access offshore platforms, though this is technically against the law. Thailand has tightened its border controls, particularly targeting casino tourism to neighbouring countries like Cambodia, as part of efforts to combat cybercrime and illegal gambling operations.
During questioning, all gamblers confessed to the charges. The case is currently under investigation, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
The recent raid on a casino-and-gambling establishment in Bangkok's Bang Khae district, led by Pol Maj Gen Khomsit Rangsai, revealed gambling-trends such as the use of baccarat tables in illegal gambling activities. This operation, a culmination of intelligence gathering, unveiled general-news related to crime-and-justice, including the arrest of 20 individuals colluding in illegal baccarat gambling.
