On November 9, a police raid led by Jesada Yangnok and officers from the Wang Thonglang Police Station uncovered an illegal gambling operation disguised as a Chinese restaurant in central Bangkok. The restaurant, located on Soi Ladprao 80, was found to house a secret VIP room where four Chinese nationals were playing cards.
The suspects, all Chinese citizens visiting Thailand on tourist visas, were arrested after police confirmed their identities. The raid was part of a larger effort, following a similar operation on November 5 at another gambling den in Soi Sahakarn Pramoon. Investigations indicated both establishments used WeChat to recruit participants, particularly targeting Chinese nationals residing in Huai Khwang and Ratchada areas.
Upon questioning, the four suspects revealed they were invited through WeChat to play Mahjong at the restaurant for the first time. The restaurant’s manager, also Chinese, admitted the business was owned by a Thai woman and that the gambling setup was established only ten days prior, supplied by a Chinese contact.
Police seized over 70,000 baht (US$2,045) in cash, gambling equipment, and the table used for the game. The suspects face charges for participating in illegal gambling, while the manager is charged with organizing the operation.
The suspects will appear before the Criminal Court on November 11 to face charges.
