Crime Twelve Arrested in Late-Night Gambling Raid in Prachuap Khiri Khan

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

Twelve people have been arrested after authorities raided a suspected illegal gambling setup operating out of a private residence in the coastal district of Thap Sakae. The late-night operation saw gamblers scatter in all directions as officials closed in on the property.

 

The raid took place at a house in Moo 5, Ban Thung Kok, Thap Sakae District, following a tip-off to provincial administrators that an illegal gambling den had been operating regularly at the site, particularly during weekends and holidays. Acting on the intelligence, local officials coordinated a surprise operation to apprehend those involved.

 

As officers entered the premises, they found a group of individuals gathered around a table enthusiastically playing hi-lo, a popular dice game. When the gamblers realised the house was being surrounded, chaos erupted. Some attempted to flee by climbing over fences, dashing through the back door or diving into nearby bushes. Officers gave chase and, after an extensive search of the surrounding area, detained a total of 12 suspects.

 

Footage captured by officers during the operation shows the confusion as individuals tried to escape and officials moved quickly to secure the area.

 

Upon searching the house, authorities discovered it had been converted into a permanent gambling establishment, with leather chairs, tables and full hi-lo equipment, a clear departure from so-called “mobile gambling setups,” which are typically more temporary and easier to dismantle. Officials now suspect the premises had been operating as a fixed-location operation for some time.

 

The property is owned by a 54-year-old woman, Ms Naowarat, who is also under investigation as the alleged organiser of the gambling activities.

 

All 12 detainees, along with gambling equipment seized from the scene, have been handed over to Thap Sakae Police Station for further legal proceedings. They face charges of engaging in illegal gambling without a permit.

 

Officials have also launched an inquiry to determine whether any state officials were complicit in allowing the illegal operation to continue unchecked. The visibility and permanence of the venue have raised concerns among locals, who question whether the police in the area were aware of or possibly turning a blind eye to the activities.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-07-08