Photo courtesy of Khaosod

Authorities in Phuket have raided a luxury villa alleged to be an illegal Russian-run poker den, arresting nine foreign nationals. The Chalong Police Station found an Instagram advertisement, "Poker Level," which was used to invite foreigners to gamble in the Rawai subdistrict. The poker sessions, targeting only foreign nationals, involved high-stakes gambling with Thai baht and cryptocurrency.

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The invitation process required participants to contact organizers via WhatsApp and pay a 20,000 baht entry fee per session. The luxury villa hosted these clandestine events, which attracted the attention of police who acted on a tip-off about a planned session on February 11. Surveillance confirmed the presence of an active game, prompting police to raid the venue.

During the operation, authorities arrested seven Russians, one Ukrainian, and one Kazakh national at the scene. Evidence, including cash, a gambling table, playing cards, chips, and electronic devices, was confiscated for further investigation. Police plan to examine these devices to track financial transactions and gather more digital evidence related to the illegal activities.

The suspects face charges under Section 12 of the Gambling Act for organizing and participating in illegal gambling. They have been handed over to investigators to proceed with legal processing. The incident highlights ongoing efforts by Thai authorities to curb illegal gambling activities within the country, reported Khaosod.

Key Takeaways

• Nine foreign nationals were arrested in a Phuket poker den raid.

• Police seized evidence, including cash and electronic devices, for further investigation.

• Suspects face charges for organizing and participating in illegal gambling.

Join the discussion?

  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Khaosod · 12 Feb 2026

We've not had one of these Russian gambling den raids for a while here in Rawai, Why don't they say exactly where it was? The owner of the villa should be in for the high jump also,

They're laughing out loud. 600$US entry to play cards, to some of these people is nothing, a nights fun and they'll just move it to another villa, c'mon!

This one is in Rawai guess how many are going on Bangtao/Cherngtalay ?

31 minutes ago, Priorexpat said:

they'll just move it to another villa

Probably others then, I think these ones will be sent home.