Pattaya
Police raided an illegal poker club in Pattaya on Tuesday, arresting 19 people—including 10 foreigners—and uncovering over 5 million baht in gambling circulation.
On April 23rd, Pol. Col. Anek Srathongyu, Superintendent of Pattaya Police Station led an investigative team to raid a sports club located on Pattaya Klang Road following reports of illegal poker gambling from concerned citizens who tipped off police, stating they were concerned these activities could hurt the positive family friendly tourism image of Pattaya.
The search revealed that the ground floor of the building was operating as a snooker club, while the second floor had been set up as a VIP area for illegal poker games. A total of 19 individuals were found at the scene, including six staff members and 13 gamblers. The group included nine Thais and ten foreign nationals: one each from the Philippines, Cambodia, Russia, Denmark, Myanmar, Singapore, and Canada, as well as three from Malaysia. Mr. Yin, a 65-year-old Singaporean national, reportedly admitted to organizing the gambling operation.
According to Pol. Col. Anek, the games were structured as tournaments, with participants required to pay a 1,800-baht seat fee per round. Bets ranged from $2,500 to $5,000 USD (approximately 75,000–150,000 baht), with an estimated circulation of over 5 million baht.
Authorities have charged Mr. Yin with organizing illegal gambling, while all other participants face charges of participating in illegal gambling. All suspects were taken into custody for further legal proceedings.
In Thailand, which has some of the strictest anti-gambling laws in the world, even private poker games are illegal, notes TPN Media.
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