Picture from raid.

 

Bangkok Metropolitan Police have arrested 13 individuals, including 12 foreign nationals, following a raid on an illegal poker game at a high-end Chinese restaurant in the Yan Nawa district.

 

The operation took place on the evening of 13 February at approximately 22:30, after police received intelligence regarding unlawful gambling activities at the Bitcoin Club, located on the third floor of the Galaxy Place building on Nonsi Road, Chan Nontri. The raid, led by Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, uncovered an active poker game in progress.

 

The arrested individuals include nine Chinese nationals, two Singaporeans, and one Indian citizen, all aged between 28 and 46. A Thai national, identified as Ms. Chatchaya, 31, was allegedly responsible for organising and facilitating the illegal gambling operation.

 

Authorities seized substantial evidence from the scene, including:

 

• 319,400 Thai Baht

• 5,308 Singapore Dollars

• 7,035 Chinese Yuan

• 12,074 Hong Kong Dollars

• 100 Euros

• 70 Macau Patacas

• Two sets of poker chips with cases

• Four decks of playing cards

• One poker table

 

All confiscated items have been transferred to Bang Phongphang Police Station as evidence. The suspects have reportedly admitted to participating in the gambling activities for financial gain.

 

Ms. Chatchaya has been charged with organising and facilitating illegal gambling, while the 12 foreign nationals face charges of engaging in unauthorised gambling. The case remains under investigation by local authorities.

 

Bangkok police continue to crack down on illicit gambling operations across the city, warning that such activities will not be tolerated.

 

-- 2025-02-15

 

 

Maybe that's why there are so many enormous Chinese restaurants that never seem to have any customers.