National—
At 10:00 PM, on March 19th, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and relevant agencies of more than 100 individuals launched a raid operation on a massive gambling den in Bang Yai, Nonthaburi. As a result, more than 300 gamblers were captured.
Anutin publicly stated the Thai Ministry of the Interior had straightforward policies aiming to organize public order free of illegal activities with collaboration from all sectors.
According to the police report, locals in the area filed complaint reports that a local influential figure illegally operated a massive gambling den in Phra Pin Village 3, Bang Yai, Nonthaburi, since late 2023.
Upon the police investigation, it was found that the gambling den was completely fenced and could station more than 100 vehicles inside and 300 vehicles outside. The secret agent then disguised as a gambler to infiltrate the facility.
However, the facility had a strict security measure as more than five guards with communication devices were stationed inside the building. According to the police report, the guards would thoroughly check every new visitor who needed to be invited by a regular gambler only.
The regular gamblers reportedly were rich people as many luxury cars were spotted parking outside the facility. It was assumed by the police that the gambling den generated a large amount of money daily.
After the raid operation, the police confiscated cash and casino chips worth more than 320 million baht and more than 300 million baht in banking accounts. More than 300 gamblers were captured, according to the police. The facility provided various gambling games with many tables.
The police escorted all the gamblers to Bang Yai police station and pressed charges against them for conspiring to organize illegal gambling offenses. The names of those involved or the alleged influential person who had organised the casino were not released to the Thai media.
Meanwhile, an upcoming deliberation in Parliament concerning the legalization of casinos is scheduled for March 28th, as announced by Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat.
Julapun stated to the Thai media, “The draft bill has been completed and submitted to Parliament for consideration. The decision now rests with Parliament, and if approved, the Cabinet will determine the next steps.”
Should the bill become law, an oversight organization will be established to oversee regulations for entertainment complexes, including casinos, and to monitor their operations.
The Thai government expressed that this initiative aimed to address issues related to illegal gambling, generate revenue for the state through taxation, and boost tourism.
However, the Royal Thai Police raised concerns, highlighting the potential for casinos to be used for money laundering and the risk of increased gambling addiction without proper regulation, according to Thai national media.
The Thai government emphasized the need for stringent measures such as age restrictions, minimum income requirements, and the organization of casinos away from residential areas and educational institutions to mitigate potential negative impacts, according to Thai national media.
