Police arrest 63 suspected gamblers in illegal casino raid in Thailand

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Police arrested 63 suspected gamblers in a dramatic raid on an illegal casino in Thailand.


Officers stormed the fourth floor of the unlicensed Chalermwong Hotel, reportedly used as a gambling den on the outskirts of Bangkok on May 21.


Undercover cops disguised as players infiltrated the secret casino before more than 70 special operations agents swept into the building.


Footage shows police raiding the casino, where suspects, including Chinese nationals, were found gathered around gambling tables.


The alleged gamblers panicked and fled in all directions, with some trying to climb out of windows to avoid arrest.


Police said they arrested 63 people suspected of illegal gambling.


They seized 926,800 baht in cash and gambling chips worth more than 6.9 million baht.


Authorities discovered ledgers showing daily circulating funds exceeding 43 million baht, while a 9mm firearm was also confiscated during the raid.


Ronnarong Thipsiri, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, said Chinese nationals were among those arrested.


He said: 'The location was an old hotel whose license had expired decades ago. The owner was identified as a local politician in Samut Prakan province. Further investigation indicated that on some days, foreign gamblers, believed to be Chinese nationals, were also present.'


The suspects and seized items were initially taken to the Phra Samut Chedi District Office, where the cases were recorded under charges of operating an illegal gambling establishment.


They were later handed over to the inquiry officer at Phra Samut Chedi Police Station for further legal proceedings.


Most forms of gambling are illegal in Thailand under the country's Gambling Act of 1935. Poker, and other games like slot machines and baccarat, fall under the law's 'List A' and are prohibited.


Organisers of List A games may be punished with detention between three months and three years, and a fine ranging from 500 to 5,000 baht.


While players may be either jailed for up to three years, fined up to 5,000 baht, or both.


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