Gamblers Caught at Gambling Den in Rubber Plantation

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

Authorities in Wang Thong district of Phitsanulok, have arrested 19 people after raiding an illegal gambling den hidden inside a rubber plantation, where investigators uncovered a sophisticated cheating device that caused dice to roll on their own.

The raid, led by district chief Chanchai Komanikom alongside security officials and members of the local territorial defence volunteer unit, took place on 3 September at a makeshift shelter in Ban Klang subdistrict. The location, beside a house and surrounded by rubber and cassava fields, had reportedly been operating as a secret hi-lo dice gambling venue.

When the officers moved in, dozens of gamblers attempted to flee in different directions, though 19 were caught, five men and 14 women. Among them, one woman admitted to acting as the dealer, while another was identified as the homeowner.

Investigators seized cash, gambling tables, dice, bowls, CCTV cameras, a computer server and several vehicles from the scene. During a search, officers also discovered a small black remote device in the homeowner’s bag. When placed near the gaming table, it caused the dice to move on their own.

A subsequent inspection of the table revealed a hidden electronic circuit board and two batteries packed inside, believed to have been installed to manipulate the game in favour of the organisers.

Mr Chanchai warned that such scams exploit gamblers and lead to financial ruin, family problems and wider social issues. All suspects, along with the seized equipment, were handed over to Kaeng Sopha police station. The 19 defendants were transferred to Phitsanulok Provincial Court to face charges of illegal gambling.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-09-05