Banglamung, Chonburi –
Administrative officials and police stormed an illegal cockfighting ring in the Naklua sub-district yesterday afternoon, sending dozens of gamblers fleeing in panic and resulting in the arrest of 22 suspects.
The raid took place at 13:36 on Monday, December 8th, 2025 at a large corrugated-metal arena surrounded by wire mesh fencing inside the Hua Tung community on Moo 6.
Led by Banglamung District Chief Mr Patcharapat Sritanyanon, the operation was executed by senior district officers including Nathawat Sophonsewatson and Thurit Chanchareon, alongside police officers led by Pol Lt Col Suphawat Latphrecha (Deputy Chief of Suppression, Banglamung Police Station) and Pol Lt Col Yongyuth Wanno (Deputy Chief of Investigation).
Acting on repeated public complaints that the venue was being used for high-stakes cockfighting, authorities sent an undercover agent to monitor the site. Intelligence confirmed three scheduled bouts with bets of 11,000 baht per fight:
– P. Barbecue vs. Mangkorn Phet (two fights)
– P. Barbecue vs. Suwanakorn (one fight)
When the joint task force arrived in unmarked vehicles, gamblers immediately recognised the approaching cars as official. As officers stormed the arena, chaos erupted.
Dozens of gamblers instantly turned into sprinters, scattering in every direction. Several men crashed straight through the wire-mesh fencing, suffering cuts and bruises, while others bolted into nearby woods or jumped into water to escape. Despite the frantic getaway attempts, police and administrative officers managed to round up 22 suspects.
Seized as evidence were:
– Four fighting cocks (two pairs that were in the ring when the raid began)
– The complete cockfighting pit and surrounding arena
– Numerous cockfighting accessories and care equipment
– Betting ledgers
A search of vehicles belonging to the gamblers found no additional illegal items.
All 22 arrested individuals – a mix of gamblers and organisers – were taken to Banglamung Police Station where they face charges of illegal gambling and operating/participating in an unauthorised cockfight. The four roosters and all equipment remain in police custody as evidence.
Cockfighting remains strictly prohibited under Thailand’s Gambling Act B.E. 2478 (1935), with penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 5,000 baht, or both for participants and organisers. It is allowed only for specific licensed and approved cultural events without gambling.
Authorities stated the raid was part of an ongoing crackdown on underground gambling dens in the Pattaya and Banglamung area.
