Thai authorities have detained more than 100 alleged gamblers and seized cash and gambling chips worth more than 2 million baht after raids on two large, allegedly 24-hour casinos in central Chiang Mai.
The operation, named "Crackdown on Nakhon Ping Gamblers", was carried out simultaneously at the two sites at 8pm on 18 September. Deputy Interior Minister Pholphee Suwanchawee announced the results on 19 September 2026.
The raids involved Chiang Mai governor Ratthaphon Naradisorn, deputy governors Boonlue Thammathanurak and officials from the Department of Provincial Administration, including deputy director-general Ronarong Thipsiri.
Two permanent casino operations alleged
One venue, identified as Phattharawan Casino, was on the first floor of Phattharawan Place in the Santitham area of Chang Phueak. Officials said the premises had been converted into a large gambling hall offering dice games, fish-shooting machines and baccarat.
The other, Sri Ping Muang Casino, was at the Kad Wiang Ping food centre on Sri Ping Muang Road in Hai Ya. It allegedly offered animal-picture betting and a dice-based game known locally as nam tao pu pla.
Pholphee said both venues appeared to be permanent operations rather than temporary gambling sites. They reportedly operated three staff and security shifts daily, used numerous CCTV cameras and required customers to undergo searches and surrender communication devices before entering.
Officials also found facilities allowing gamblers to transfer money by QR code in exchange for chips. Account books seized during the operation allegedly indicated the venues had operated for at least two years, with records dating back to 2022.
Foreigners among those detained
Authorities said those held included more than 100 Thai and foreign gamblers, 14 people accused of organising gambling - eight of them foreign nationals - and four people accused of supporting the activity.
Most employees were Cambodian migrant workers, officials said, and may face offences under the 1935 Gambling Act and the 2017 Emergency Decree on the Management of Foreign Workers.
At the Santitham site, some staff reportedly fled through the rear of the building and jumped from the second floor, leaving personal belongings behind.
Local political links to be investigated
Pholphee said investigators had found possible links to a local municipal councillor, who was allegedly involved in arranging and supervising security guards. A seized employee phone received calls displaying the councillor's name, image and position, he said.
Officials also found lease contracts and receipts naming a tenant linked to the premises, which had reportedly been raided around two years earlier.
The operation followed complaints from local residents and was conducted under Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's policy targeting illegal gambling and influential figures. Authorities will examine CCTV footage, financial records and forensic evidence, and question staff and gamblers as they seek to identify casino owners, tenants, influential figures and local politicians who may have been involved.
Pictures courtesy of ThaiRath
Join the discussion? 
20 September 2026
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment