Thai authorities arrest 18 Vietnamese involved in illegal gambling operations

Jenny Ortiz March 11, 2024

Thai police have apprehended a group of 18 Vietnamese citizens in connection with alleged unlawful online gambling activities during a targeted operation.

According to reports, the head of the local Immigration Bureau, Pol. Lt. Gen. Ittiphol Itthisarnronchai, disclosed that immigration officials, suspecting the involvement of the location in illicit gambling, searched a luxurious property situated in the Rama IX district of Bangkok.

Ten men and eight women present on the premises are now facing charges related to organizing online gambling operations and enticing others to participate.

The raid resulted in the confiscation of 35 items, including computers and associated equipment utilized in facilitating online gambling endeavours.

Immigration’s probe

Acting on a tip-off regarding suspicious behaviour exhibited by a group of foreign nationals residing in the area, immigration investigators conducted surveillance, which confirmed their involvement in online gambling.

Following legal procedures, approval was obtained from the Phra Khanong Criminal Court to search the two-story residence.

During the operation, authorities found evidence indicating that the property had been transformed into a centre for online gambling activities, equipped with living quarters and workspaces for those involved.

Vietnamese national behind the illegal gambling ops

Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to their roles as administrators of the continuous online gambling platforms.

They revealed that the operation was masterminded by another Vietnamese national, and each participant received a monthly payment of THB20,000 (€511.90), along with commissions based on the volume of wagers they facilitated.

The investigation unveiled that the residence had been rented since November of the previous year specifically to serve as a base for online gambling operations. Subsequently, all detainees were handed over to the authorities at the Hua Mak police station to commence legal proceedings.