Metropolitan Police have launched a disciplinary probe into five senior officers from Bueng Kum and Nimit Mai stations following raids on two illegal gambling dens in Bangkok, with immediate transfers ordered pending the outcome.

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On 26 April, Pol Lt Gen Siam Boonsom, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said an inquiry committee had been appointed to examine whether local officers failed in their duties by allowing gambling operations to run in their areas. If negligence is confirmed, disciplinary action will follow.

The move comes after a special operations unit from the Department of Provincial Administration, led by Ranrong Thipsiri, raided two gambling venues in the Hathairat and Serithai areas. More than 100 male and female gamblers were arrested, and evidence worth millions of baht was seized.

Authorities are focusing on whether there was a lack of enforcement or oversight by officers responsible for the jurisdictions where the illegal activities took place. The five senior officers, have been reassigned to inactive posts during the investigation.

Pol Lt Gen Siam stated that the Metropolitan Police had not ignored the issue and had already instructed subordinates to intensify crackdowns on illegal gambling and vice activities. He emphasised strict and decisive enforcement to prevent such operations from re-emerging.

He also noted that metropolitan investigative units and special divisions had been tasked with gathering intelligence and responding to public complaints. Arrests related to gambling offences have continued in recent operations, indicating ongoing enforcement efforts.

The investigation will determine whether disciplinary breaches occurred and what penalties may be appropriate. Findings are expected to influence future oversight measures and reinforce accountability within police districts.

The Daily News reported that officials say efforts will continue to dismantle illegal gambling networks and ensure stricter supervision at the local level. Further action may be taken depending on the outcome of the inquiry.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 27 Apr 2026

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History shows this isn’t new!

In 2011, three station chiefs were moved to inactive posts pending disciplinary reviews.

In 2023, whistleblower allegations prompted the national police commissioner to order an investigation into senior officers accused of taking bribes from illegal gambling networks.

And, in 2024, both the national police chief and his deputy were temporarily transferred to the Prime Minister’s Office during an investigation into alleged links to online gambling networks.

So, it appears that whenever illegal gambling operations are exposed, transfers, suspensions, or disciplinary reviews of senior officers often follow!