Krabi Police Chief & District Officer Transferred Following Palm Plantation Gambling Raid

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

In a decisive move to uphold law enforcement integrity, Lieutenant General Surapong Thanomjit, Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 8, has ordered on 23 May, the transfer of Krabi Provincial Police Chief, Police Major General Chaiyakiat Wiriyasathitkul, and Plai Phraya Police Station Superintendent, Police Colonel Narong Lakwimon. The action follows a significant raid on an illegal gambling operation concealed within a palm oil plantation in Plai Phraya district.

On 21 May, a coordinated operation led by the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) and local defence volunteers dismantled a clandestine gambling den in Khao To subdistrict. The raid resulted in the arrest of 71 individuals and the seizure of various gambling paraphernalia. Preliminary investigations suggest the establishment had a monthly cash flow exceeding 12 million baht. Notably, the operation was reportedly linked to individuals claiming affiliations with national-level political figures, facilitating its operations and clientele recruitment.  

In response to the incident, DOPA Director-General Chaiwat Chuntirapong signed an order transferring Plai Phraya District Chief, Ms. Nanthicha Koetkaew, to an administrative role at the College of Local Administration, effective immediately.

The swift administrative reshuffling underscores the Thai government’s commitment to combating illegal gambling activities and ensuring accountability among public officials. Further investigations are underway to identify and prosecute all individuals involved in the illicit operation.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-24.