Gambling chips worth over $7.4 million seized in high-stakes raid targeting underground casino
Massive Bust in Bangkok’s Underground Gambling Scene
Thai police raided a covert baccarat operation in the Bang Khae district of Bangkok, arresting 20 individuals and seizing gambling chips valued at an astonishing THB 274.49 million (approximately $7.4 million USD).
The late-night raid was conducted jointly by officers from Phetkasem Police Station and the Metropolitan Police Division 9 (MPD 9) after an intelligence-led investigation confirmed that a residential property was being used as a major gambling venue. The operation was spearheaded by MPD 9 Commander Pol Maj Gen Khomsit Rangsai.
International Arrests and Injuries Amid Attempted Escape
Of the 20 arrested, ten were Thai nationals, while the remaining ten comprised three Chinese citizens and seven Myanmar nationals. According to police reports, several suspects attempted to flee by jumping out of windows, resulting in minor injuries. Those injured were treated at a nearby hospital before being taken into custody.
Authorities believe that some individuals managed to escape during the raid, and efforts are ongoing to identify and locate those who fled the scene.
Evidence Seized: A Glimpse Into a Sophisticated Setup
The raid uncovered a professional setup that included:
Three baccarat tables
Nine computer monitors and three CPUs
Gambling chips valued at THB 274.49m
Cash totaling THB 368,896
44 decks of playing cards
Numerous other gambling-related items
All individuals taken into custody reportedly admitted to participating in the gambling activities and have been charged under Thailand’s strict anti-gambling laws.
Escalating Crackdowns and Legal Ramifications
Thailand has some of the most rigid anti-gambling laws in Southeast Asia. Aside from government-sanctioned lotteries and horse racing, nearly all forms of gambling remain illegal under the Gambling Act of 1935. The law imposes harsh penalties, including fines and prison sentences, particularly for operators of large-scale underground venues.
The Bang Khae raid comes amid an intensifying government campaign to dismantle high-value illegal gaming dens that have proliferated in urban areas. With millions of baht at stake, these venues often attract both local and international participants, making them a serious concern for law enforcement and public policy.
Ongoing Investigation: More Arrests Expected
While 20 arrests have been confirmed, police believe that several key players may have escaped during the raid. The operation is now part of a broader investigation to uncover the network behind the illegal operation, potentially involving money laundering or transnational criminal links.
The arrested individuals have been transferred to Phetkasem Police Station for legal proceedings. Authorities say they are also exploring whether the site was part of a wider regional gambling syndicate.
Conclusion: A Message from Law Enforcement
This high-profile bust sends a clear message: illegal gambling will not be tolerated, especially when tied to organized operations involving large sums of money and foreign nationals. As digital gambling expands globally, Thailand continues to double down on enforcement, aiming to curb the growing influence of underground gambling rings across the country.
