Krabi —
On September 3rd, 2024, Mr. Arsit Sampantharat, the Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, revealed that the department’s special operations team launched a raid operation after receiving complaints about multiple illegal gambling dens operating in Mueang Krabi and Plai Phraya districts, Krabi.
In late August, it was reported that Thai investigators inspected both areas after learning through social media about a gambling den allegedly hidden in a palm plantation in Plai Phraya. Despite the initial discovery, the den was reportedly relocated the following day.
However, two other gambling dens in Mueang Krabi allegedly continued to operate openly. The special operations team swiftly conducted a raid, arresting 65 people, including dealers and gamblers, and seizing over 500,000 baht in cash, with daily transactions exceeding 1 million baht. The suspects were handed over to Mueang Krabi Police Station for legal proceedings, according to Arsit.
Arsit further disclosed that local residents allegedly identified the two dens as being controlled by a former prominent local politician, who held a monopoly on gambling operations in Krabi and prohibited other competitors.
However, the rival den in Plai Phraya challenged this monopoly, offering transportation and three meals per day to attract gamblers from nearby provinces, sparking tensions. The Krabi gambling den allegedly retaliated by sharing incriminating footage online to undermine the competition, stated Arsit.
Arsit emphasized that despite the influence of those involved, no one is above the law, stating, “There is no gambling den in Thailand that the Department of Provincial Administration’s special operations team is afraid to shut down.”
