Illegal Gambling Den Raided in Rayong – 50 Arrested, but Local Politician Escapes Scrutiny

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Authorities in Rayong launched a major crackdown on illegal gambling in Klaeng district, arresting over 50 gamblers at a snooker club that had been operating as a front for an underground betting den.
 

The provincial governor has ordered strict legal action, refusing bail for all those detained. However, controversy erupted as reports surfaced that a local politician had been present during the raid but was not among those taken into custody.

 

At approximately 16:00 on 15 March, Rayong Governor Traiphop Wongtrailak directed a special task force, including provincial administrative officers, local defence volunteers, and district officials from Muang Rayong, Ban Khai, and Ban Chang, to raid the premises in Tambon Thang Kwian, Klaeng District. The snooker hall had allegedly been hosting illegal gambling activities, including dice games and boxing bets, for over a year.

 

As authorities stormed the venue, chaos ensued, with gamblers attempting to flee in all directions. Officers managed to detain approximately 50 individuals and confiscated gambling-related materials. The detainees were swiftly transported to Klaeng Police Station in two six-wheeled trucks and a pickup truck for processing.

 

Shortly after, Klaeng District Chief Kantaphon Suksong arrived at the police station to oversee legal proceedings. All suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.

 

However, the operation has been overshadowed by allegations from one of the arrested gamblers, who claimed that a local politician and community leader had been present at the scene but was not among those detained. It remains unclear how they evaded arrest.

 

Authorities are currently filing charges against the 50 arrested individuals for illegal gambling and are conducting further investigations to identify the ringleader behind the illicit operation.

 

Governor Traiphop has issued a strict directive against granting bail to any of the detainees, emphasising that legal action will be enforced without exception.

 

-- 2025-03-16

 

 

[Geoffggi]

1 hour ago, Georgealbert said:

However, the operation has been overshadowed by allegations from one of the arrested gamblers, who claimed that a local politician and community leader had been present at the scene but was not among those detained. It remains unclear how they evaded arrest.

 

One doesn't need to be a brain surgeon to work this one out ...................LOL

[watchcat]

5 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

a local politician had been present during the raid but was not among those taken into custody.

 

The head honcho is never apprehended by the low life RTP.

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Rayong Police Chief Denies Political Involvement in Gambling Raid

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

 

Rayong’s Provincial Police Chief, Pol. Gen. Phuminthana Singhasut, has clarified the details surrounding a recent gambling raid in the district, denying any involvement of local politicians or community leaders. He confirmed that only 15 gamblers were arrested, not the 50 initially reported, and there was no evidence of political figures participating in the illicit activity.

 

The incident took place at a snooker hall in Klaeng District, where authorities raided the venue after receiving a tip-off about an illegal VIP room operating as a gambling den, offering dice and boxing betting. Upon arriving, law enforcement officers found dozens of vehicles outside the venue, leading them to suspect a large operation. It initially was reported that the authorities seized gambling equipment and arrested 50 people, including some suspected local leaders.

 

However, after further investigation, it was revealed that many of those initially detained were merely snooker players and bystanders, not involved in gambling. Only 15 individuals, including eight who were gambling with dice and seven playing card games, were formally charged. The police found no evidence to support claims that any local politicians were part of the operation, and no further action has been taken against officers in the area.

 

The raid team expressed frustration at the misrepresentation of the event, asserting that video footage from the raid clearly showed over 50 individuals involved in gambling at the scene. Despite this, only 15 were officially processed, raising concerns among officers that the investigation had been mishandled. They also warned that if local authorities continue to cover up such activities, efforts to combat illegal gambling will remain ineffective.

 

Local residents in the vicinity of the snooker hall expressed frustration as well, stating that the gambling operation had been ongoing for years, with cars regularly filling the area on weekends. Despite the long-standing community awareness, they felt that authorities had failed to take action until now.

 

The investigation into the raid is ongoing, with Rayong police vowing to ensure the truth is revealed and that all those responsible for the illegal activities are held accountable.

 

-- 2025-03-18

 

[Gottfrid]

Who would ever doubt such an authentic smile from an upstanding officer of the law? 

[mikebell]

2 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

authorities raided the venue after receiving a tip-off about an illegal VIP room operating as a gambling den, offering dice and boxing betting.

Standard Operating Procedure for RTP: do nothing till forced into it then make what you can from those caught in the net.