Police Raid Bangkok Gambling Den With Helicopter

[george]

Police raid gambling den with helicopter

Biggest raid in the past decade

BANGKOK: -- Police on Wednesday launched a pre-dawn raid on an illegal gambling den allegedly owned by a politician, arresting hundreds of people in the biggest raid in the past decade, officials said.

After a two-month investigation, more than 200 police officers stormed the house reputedly owned by an unidentified politician in Bangkok's Taopoon district and arrested 306 suspected gamblers, said police Major Gen. Winai Thongsong.

Some officers were lowered from a helicopter while others entered at the ground level during the raid, the biggest of its kind in 10 years, he added.

Police searched the house for three hours and seized more than Bt1 million in cash along with poker chips, slot machines, cards and dice, Winai said.

The den had long operated under the protection of its influential owner, though police have raided it several times in the past.

The suspects were charged with illegal gambling and face a maximum penalty of up to one year in prison if found guilty.

--The Nation 2005-06-22

[george]

Update:

TAOPOON GAMBLING RAID: Five senior police officers under investigation

BANGKOK: -- The Metropolitan Police Bureau has ordered an investigation into five senior police officers suspected of turning a blind eye to gambling dens in Bangkok's Taopoon area.

A superintendent of the Taopoon Police Station, Colonel Chuangsakda Buranasiri, has been transferred out of his jurisdiction for 30 days for allegedly allowing gambling dens to operate in the area.

His transfer was endorsed by Lt-General Pansiri Prapawat, the Metropolitan Police Bureau commissioner.

The other four senior police officers facing investigation are Colonel Waranwat Karunyathat, Lt-Colonel Jittiwat Poonpol, Lt-Colonel Anukoon Sruamsri and Major Thammanoon Bunruang.

A fact-finding committee set up to investigate the five officers will be chaired by Maj-General Chatchawal Suksomjit, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, while all police at Taopoon Police Station will be investigated by a panel chaired by Maj-General Wibul Bangthamai.

The moves came after a pre-dawn raid yesterday on a gambling den allegedly owned by a prominent politician. Hundreds of people were arrested in the biggest such sweep in a decade.

The raid followed a two-month investigation. More than 200 police stormed a house in the Taopoon area and arrested 306 suspected gamblers, police said.

Gambling dens in Taopoon have been operating for decades with the knowledge of local police. Although police from other units have raided them many times, they were soon back to business as usual.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra hailed the arrests, saying police did their job in enforcing the country's laws.

"I told them not to be afraid of anyone. It is not correct to fear and refrain from enforcing the law against a certain individual,'' he said.

Thaksin admitted that gambling dens had been rife, in defiance of, or in cooperation with, police.

Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya - who holds the rank of police general - denied that the raid discriminated against one den when police were aware of others.

However, he admitted that police had neglected to enforce the law and had allowed illegal activities to continue.

"We will make sure police enforce the law," he said. "It is the government policy - without discrimination.''

The National Police Policy Commission will consider the effectiveness of police in combating and preventing crime at a meeting next Wednesday.

--The Nation 2005-06-23

[Ajarn]

Gosh, I wonder why they are all so fearfull of mentioning the name of the this 'Influential person'?

He's Chatchawan “Chat Taopoon” Khong-Udom, and he is now a Senator. Quite the popular local godfather, then, and now...

I'd assume he's not a TRT supporter, either.

[sriracha john]

Thanks for the info, Ajarn. I always am amazed at how many times

big-time people are not specifically named. The other amazing thing is when government workers, be they policemen or teachers or politicians or what have you, are so rarely fired. There are merely transferred.

These cops have made a mint in the years protecting this casino, yet are simply transferred, not fired or prosecuted.

[penzman]

Are we looking at some form of revenge at Senators after the past week's events?

[buadhai]

Wasn't there a bad Bangkok-based novel a few years back that had a police helicopter raid of a big gambling den?

[Ajarn]

Thanks for the info, Ajarn. I always am amazed at how many times

big-time people are not specifically named. The other amazing thing is when government workers, be they policemen or teachers or politicians or what have you, are so rarely fired. There are merely transferred.

These cops have made a mint in the years protecting this casino, yet are simply transferred, not fired or prosecuted.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

John, some years ago, I started reading the Nation and the Post everyday. I found, on many occasions that the name that was missing in one paper, could be found in the other paper. Sometimes the name was not mentioned in the context of being the main character, but named as being in some other capacity, with a bit of reading between the lines leading you to figure what was up. It seemed clear that reporters were often trying to spill the beans, but not always in a straight-forward way. I just read the Post this morning, and saw that he had been referred to as a Senator in the article, and his nickname is printed in the text on the photo illustration...

In this story, all they need to do is mention gambling and Taopoon, and most Thais know immediately who's being discussed. He's been in the news for as long as I've been here, and he never has really denied his business... As the article suggested, he has LOTS of police connections, but when the political wind moves, anything can change, albeit only momentarily in this case, I feel sure. The reason why the helicopters and heavy police presence is needed is because the locals support Chat Taopoon, and have historically blocked any access to the den. He passes a lot of money around the neighborhood, they say...

I agree that the simple transferring of police (in this case, only for 30 days, it seems) is pretty stupid, from the citizens point of view, but this is police deciding about other police, and you can bet the decision makers are likely to have personal connections that might limit the scope of most any consequence handed down to other police officers...

This is a much bigger bust than in years past. Usually, these raids come up with a few chips, and no gamblers, everyone having fled the scene after being tipped off. It will be interesting to see how fast he's back in business. My guess is it'll be open again tonight

[Sphere]

However, he admitted that police had neglected to enforce the law and had allowed illegal activities to continue.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hard to believe that considering how diligently they go after foreigners dropping cigarette butts at Lumpini or Queens Park.

[mnoorsapl]

Unjust politician and corrupt officers, they do tend to go along very well. Many incidents and reports, but why till now then made a raid?

[Ajarn]

Unjust politician and corrupt officers, they do tend to go along very well. Many incidents and reports, but why till now then made a  raid?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Why the raid? Not law enforcement-related, most likely, so that really opens the door to possibilities, but I figure it's punishment, or squeezing for something, though I think punishment for something is the most likely answer.

Punishment for what? Now you're really opening the floodgates to speculation. Maybe he had an affair with someone's wife, maybe he voted wrong... maybe he voted right.... Maybe his 'protectors' weren't passing on a share of the 'profits' to those above....Maybe it's a police Freshmen initiation (I think that's my favorite)

Up to you. TiT

Edited June 23, 2005 by Ajarn

[Heng]

Gosh, I wonder why they are all so fearfull of mentioning the name of the this 'Influential person'?

He's Chatchawan “Chat Taopoon” Khong-Udom, and he is now a Senator. Quite the popular local godfather, then, and now... 

I'd assume he's not a TRT supporter, either. 

It's certainly not all fear. Much of it is due respect and family bond. He's business partners with a lot of people, from those involved in property development -a lot of it here in the Pratunam area- to small time merchants who run shops that are on long term 20 year leases that are both fair and cheap on his properties. No need to rock the boat on a good thing.

This is what the "old folks" are saying. It sounds a bit 'conspiracy theorist' but: It's simply a staged bust to draw some attention away from gov't action to lower subsidies for diesel fuel. Similar to what people said about "bombing Kosovo was to draw attention away from Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky."

[Ajarn]

For the newspaper reports, it's fear, I'd say. Newspapers aren't merchants of his. They simply fear litigation from being the first paper to name him (now Senator) directly as owner of a gambling den. Great lawyer fodder, one might think

I think the 'old folks' are likely as clueless to inside political-manouvering as we are. We're all limited to simply blowing our hot air, but it's all still entertaining, at times, just the same, na'?

Edited June 23, 2005 by Ajarn

[sriracha john]

This is a much bigger bust than in years past. Usually, these raids come up with a few chips, and no gamblers, everyone having fled the scene after being tipped off. It will be interesting to see how fast he's back in business. My guess is it'll be open again tonight 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks for expounding Ajarn.

When I saw the footage on television news, it was amazing. This was a full-fledged casino with gaming tables, boxes full of chips, etc. all in a very large hall. Looked like they'd busted a Las Vegas casino...

I kept expecting to see an Elvis impersonator in the corner lounge bar...

Such a stark contrast to the normal gambling busts shown on television with mom & pop on the floor with a deck of cards and 40 baht between them.

[sriracha john]

Unjust politician and corrupt officers, they do tend to go along very well. Many incidents and reports, but why till now then made a  raid?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Why the raid? Not law enforcement-related, most likely, so that really opens the door to possibilities, but I figure it's punishment, or squeezing for something, though I think punishment for something is the most likely answer.

Punishment for what? Now you're really opening the floodgates to speculation. Maybe he had an affair with someone's wife, maybe he voted wrong... maybe he voted right.... Maybe his 'protectors' weren't passing on a share of the 'profits' to those above....Maybe it's a police Freshmen initiation (I think that's my favorite)

Up to you. TiT

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Being ex-military, it did look like an excellent training exercise for the SWAT commandos...

[sriracha john]

For the newspaper reports, it's fear, I'd say. Newspapers aren't merchants of his. They simply fear litigation from being the first paper to name him (now Senator) directly as owner of a gambling den. Great lawyer fodder, one might think 

I think the 'old folks' are likely as clueless to inside political-manouvering as we are. We're all limited to simply blowing our hot air, but it's all still entertaining, at times, just the same, na'? 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree with fear being the causitive agent in not naming names. One television news channel said as much in that libel/slander can end up costing much in attorney fees, of course innocence or guilt being immaterial.

[The Nemi]

Totally agree with u john....they will neva be specified.

[Ajarn]

For the newspaper reports, it's fear, I'd say. Newspapers aren't merchants of his. They simply fear litigation from being the first paper to name him (now Senator) directly as owner of a gambling den. Great lawyer fodder, one might think 

I think the 'old folks' are likely as clueless to inside political-manouvering as we are. We're all limited to simply blowing our hot air, but it's all still entertaining, at times, just the same, na'? 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree with fear being the causitive agent in not naming names. One television news channel said as much in that libel/slander can end up costing much in attorney fees, of course innocence or guilt being immaterial.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Reminds me of when Kamnan Poh (Somchai Khunpluen, notorious godfather, and former mayor of Bang Saen) sued a reporter for calling him a corrupt politician in his paper. He won, simply because the reporter could present no proof and no witnesses to support his comments.

I'll bet proving that Chat Taopoon 'owns' the casino would be just as difficult.

[sriracha john]

Reminds me of when Kamnan Poh (Somchai Khunpluen, notorious godfather, and former mayor of Bang Saen)

Ahhhh.... now THERE is a character. He's still out on bail after being CONVICTED of murder over a year ago. He was found guilty of ordering the "hit" on a business rival in Bang Saen. He really does fit the mold of an Italian Mafioso Don. He is highly sought after to be the guest of honor at big shot weddings and functions in the area. He's frequently in the Society pages of local papers. His wealth continues to grow through his many enterprises including the biggest hotel complex in the nearest weekend beach "playground" for the Bangkok elite.

He is often seen out and about and dressed to the "T" in the finest Thai silk shirts and silk jackets. His role in local politics is complete control. His role on the national scale is significant. His son, who recently switched over to TRT, was in a Cabinet position as the last Tourism Minister. Whenever I've seen him or his son, whom I've met, I instantly think of Thai Marlon Brando, minus the paunchy belly. His life story is clearly movie-making material.

Edited June 23, 2005 by sriracha john

[Heng]

For the newspaper reports, it's fear, I'd say. Newspapers aren't merchants of his. They simply fear litigation from being the first paper to name him (now Senator) directly as owner of a gambling den. Great lawyer fodder, one might think 

I'd say more than likely the old families behind the newspapers probably have some business dealings in there at some level.

But yes, just like any paper anywhere... if there aren't facts to back it up, who wants to be the first to slander?

[Scott]

I don't think it's necessary to drag Elvis through the mud on the gambling den raid. We all know he was performing in a small bar near Patpong!

[george]

Owner of den gets jail

BANGKOK: -- The owner of a building that housed the large gambling den raided by police on Wednesday was yesterday sentenced to one year in prison.

The Northern Bangkok District Court also sentenced four bookies arrested at the den to six-month jail terms. The 353 gamblers – 186 men and 167 women – nabbed in the predawn raid were fined between Bt2,000 and Bt5,000 each.

The building’s owner was identified as Paisal Kamontri, 58, and the four bookies as Jirasak Udnun, 24, Chaiyos Sericharoensatit, 45, Songkran Charoentham, 44, and Chan Singchamnong, age unknown. Jirasak, Chaiyos and Songkran were released on bail of Bt1.6 million each.

Although all the defendants confessed to the charges of illegal gambling, the court did not commute their sentences because they were involved in one of the biggest gambling dens in the country. The den was equipped with high security measures to prevent police searches and arrests and had long operated in defiance of the law, the court ruled.

Police stormed the gambling den in the Taopoon area, allegedly owned by a prominent politician, following a two-month investigation and impounded Bt1.1 million in cash from the gaming tables, betting chips with a value of Bt56 million, a large safe deposit box, gambling paraphernalia and valuables pawned by customers in exchange for betting chips.

The court set aside half of the total fines collected from the gamblers, amounting to Bt1.5 million, as a reward for the policemen involved in the raid.

An unidentified middle-aged man suspected to have links with the den came to court to pay the fines for all the gamblers.

The suspects were brought to court in five buses accompanied by crime suppression police and 20 commandos.

--The Nation 2005-06-24

[Joey Boy]

Owner of den gets jail

An unidentified middle-aged man suspected to have links with the den came to court to pay the fines for all the gamblers.

--The Nation 2005-06-24

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Would have been bad for PR/Business not to have done

[george]

Casino raid revives row over betting

Thaksin: Issue may be put to vote at election

BANGKOK: -- The Taopoon casino raid has renewed government interest in sounding out public opinion on legalising casinos, as critics claim the bust was orchestrated to justify bringing gambling dens within the law.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said the Taopoon casino was just one of many illegal gambling outlets, some of which were owned by politicians.

In certain localities, corrupt policemen pocketed ``easy cash'' guarding underground casinos. People abandoned honest jobs to try their luck and became addicted to gambling.

``There are many more such examples. I'm really quite concerned,'' he said.

Mr Thaksin was asked if people should ``face up to reality'' and embrace the idea of legalising casinos.

He said the issue should be given serious thought, and the debate taken up at national level. A nationwide public hearing should be held to sound out public opinion, so there would be no complaints later.

``We have to ask the country for a mandate. This is to save the government from accusations that it fancies gambling,'' Mr Thaksin said.

The best time to ask would be at the next general election when voters could cast an extra ballot for or against legalising casinos.

Mr Thaksin said the government would look at options for the most affordable public hearing. Asking people to decide at the election would save time.

If casinos were recognised by law, problems associated with underground activities would ease.

The government's launch of the two- and three-digit lottery to draw people away from illegal bookies had done much to tackle dark influences, which benefited corrupt officials at the expense of honest colleagues.

Mr Thaksin said tax revenue from legal gambling could be used to improve the welfare of localities and finance solutions to social problems.

Mr Thaksin, however, insisted that proposed casino legislation was far from settled and urged the media not to put words in his mouth.

``Don't jump to the conclusion that Thaksin has given the green light to casinos,'' he said.

The Campaign for Popular Democracy accused the government of harbouring an ulterior motive in raiding the Taopoon casino.

The operation was intended to create the impression that underground gambling was so rife that it was beyond the authorities' power to suppress it, and the only viable solution was to legalise the business.

``It's a shameful political trick to deceive the people,''said CPD secretary-general Suriyasai Katasila.

He alleged some politicians' families stood to gain from land sales if the government's casino project, in the guise of its ``entertainment complex'' initiative, went ahead.

He said Mr Thaksin had confused a public hearing with a referendum.

Mr Thaksin meant a referendum, not a public hearing, when he suggested votes should be cast to decide the casino issue.

The CPD maintained the two must be held separately, or the government could capitalise on its electoral popularity to coax the casino vote in its favour as well.

Senator Sophon Suphapong slammed the government for surrendering to vice instead of fighting it, which was its duty.

``By that logic, would it be right to say we should register bandits if we can't control them?'' he said.

If the government was unable to do its job, it should step aside and let other people run the country.

The Criminal Court yesterday jailed the owner of the building that houses the casino, Paisarn Kamontree, for one year, and three bookies, Jirasak Udnoon, Chaiyos Sericharoensathit, and Songkran Charoentham, for six months each.

The court also fined 283 gamblers caught playing the hi-low dice game, roulette and baccarat 5,000 baht each and the remaining 65 offenders 2,000 baht each for betting on rummy and blackjack.

Among the gamblers was Sapol Kong-udom, who has the same surname as Senator Chatchawal Kong-udom.

Mr Chatchawal denied any connection to the casino.

Bangkok Deputy Governor Samart Ratchapolasit said if the building was modified illegally, city hall would demolish it.

The Anti-Money Laundering Office would check to see if casino evidence, which included valuables, could be seized under the law.

--Bangkok Post 2005-06-24

[sriracha john]

Mr Thaksin was asked if people should ``face up to reality'' and embrace the idea of legalising casinos.

He said the issue should be given serious thought, and the debate taken up at national level. A nationwide public hearing should be held to sound out public opinion, so there would be no complaints later.

If casinos were recognised by law, problems associated with underground activities would ease.

Mr Thaksin, however, insisted that proposed casino legislation was far from settled and urged the media not to put words in his mouth.

It is alleged some politicians' families stood to gain from land sales if the government's casino project, in the guise of its ``entertainment complex'' initiative, went ahead.

The CPD maintained the two must be held separately, or the government could capitalise on its electoral popularity to coax the casino vote in its favour as well.

Senator Sophon Suphapong slammed the government for surrendering to vice instead of fighting it, which was its duty.

If the government was unable to do its job, it should step aside and let other people run the country.

The court also fined 283 gamblers caught playing the hi-low dice game, roulette and baccarat 5,000 baht each and the remaining 65 offenders 2,000 baht each for betting on rummy and blackjack.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

AHAAA!!.... the real motivation for the raid revealed... certainly a dramatic twist and makes for the quite logical conclusion that it's all an attempt to further the casinos-in-Thailand push. Let the corruption flow unabated....

as a side note, it was such a nice gesture from the anonymous benefactor with the thick wallet to pay off everyone's fine = B1,545,000.

Edited June 24, 2005 by sriracha john