Police net more than B40,000 in Kathu card game gambling raid after commuters complain



PHUKET: -- Kathu police have summonsed 13 Phuket residents and seized more than B40,000 in cash and card game gambling paraphernalia from a raid at a Kathu town house yesterday evening (June 27).

A special task force was assigned to the raid after commuters made a formal complaint –addressed to Phuket Governor Nisit Junsomwong and submitted through the provincial ombsbudman Damroangtham Centre – that they were unable to access Soi Dtaak Dat lane because it was always blocked by a number of parked cars belonging to non-residents, suspected to be participating in illegal activities at a suspicious house.

When police arrived to the gated three-bedroom townhouse in Kathu's Moo 1, they intercepted two men who appeared to be guarding the front door.

Police moved in quickly, and finding the front door locked, proceded to force entry into the house by cutting the padlock.

In a room inside, they surprised a group of card game participants deeply entranced in a popular Thai gambling card game, with cash and other waging and collecting parerphenelia out on the open table.

The owner of the house, Ms Sunisa Jonthong, 48, presented herself and admitted to being the host of the card game.

She was among 13 suspects who were escorted to Kathu Police station, where they were issued a citation for violating the Gambling Control Act, which requires a difficult-to-obtain permit for organizing any activity that promises/offers reward – financial or otherwise – based on chance.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/police-net-more-than-b40-000-in-kathu-card-game-gambling-raid-after-commuters-complain-52971.php


-- Phuket News 2015-06-29

Police moved in quickly, and finding the front door locked, proceded to force entry into the house by cutting the padlock.

Glad to see that they didn't rush to the scene here. Congratulations !!! What a big bust.

Is it really worth closing down private card games? As long as the house isn't profiting from running a game, private gambling should be legal.

Is it really worth closing down private card games? As long as the house isn't profiting from running a game, private gambling should be legal.

A private card game with 2 guards at the door, cars blocking the road and 13 participants?

There were no charges laid LOL

Rubbish police got there management fee

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Is it really worth closing down private card games? As long as the house isn't profiting from running a game, private gambling should be legal.

You know nothing John Snow

There were no charges laid LOL

Rubbish police got there management fee

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Strange comment, since they were fined.