Unlawful Casino Heist in Thailand Lands in Gunfight
Published on: November 16, 2022, 12:25pm
Last updated on: November 16, 2022, 08:53am
Erik Gibbs
Erik Gibbs
Specialties:
Asian Gaming, Criminology, Thai Politics.
Initially, a February incident at an outlawed gambling den in Thailand passed unnoticed. It took social media exposure for local authorities to acknowledge the occurrence. Suspicions of corruption within their ranks have surfaced due to the sluggish police response.
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Unraveling the Gambling Den Robbery
The unfortunate occurrence unfolded on November 9, as reported by the Sai Mai Tong Rod Community's Facebook page. Armed robbers broke into an underground gaming establishment and triggered a shootout ensuing. Eight assailants, riding three motorcycles, stormed the venue.
Upon entry, they demanded all patrons to hit the deck. Robbing the gamblers and the establishment, the thieves left with THB400,000 (approximately $11,200) in cash. Authorities later confirmed that no casualties or fatalities occurred during the incident.
Initial reports of the incident claimed one fatality and an injured individual. However, following further investigation and confessions from local security personnel, more accurate information surfaced.
Asia Pacific Gaming,
Cover-up in Thai Police Ranks
In an interview with authorities, their alleged guard revealed details about the robbery, shedding light on events that had previously remained obscure. According to the guard, he and two associates were employed to secure the unlicensed gaming den for two consecutive evenings.
The swarm of intruders approached the establishment on motorcycles, causing a commotion. Two of the assailants stormed inside, threatening the patrons and staff while making off with substantial assets. The other five members of the gang kept watch outside, carrying firearms.
The guard mentioned that a woman was threatened once by one of the armed brigands at gunpoint. The robbers demanded her gold jewelry, specifically highlighting her necklace. He regretted to reveal that, following the incident, no single bullet wounded any individual, including their security staff.
Gaming Business,
Following the exposure on social media, Deputy National Police Chief General Surachate Hakparn orchestrated an investigation. The inspection findings mirrored the confession of the security guard, confirming that no violence or fatalities took place during the incident.
Corruption Allegations Surface
Following the investigation, four officers from the local police station, including Colonel Termrat Jindawat, a key regional police official, were transferred. The most notable figure under suspicion is the owner of the establishment, identified as Aow, who oversees the restaurant where the gambling allegedly took place.
In a shocking twist, the security cameras were removed from the establishment following the incident. Police dispatched forensic investigators to the site, but they could not uncover any evidence suggesting gambling activities or equipment.
Global Gaming.
Thailand's Persistent Battle Against Illegal Gaming
Recent claims that Thai police officers are collaborating with illegal gambling operators have led to increased scrutiny. In a push to preserve its credibility, the country has acted decisively, launching raids against black-market casinos.
This week, the Thai police's Crime Suppression Division (CSD) announced a new operation targeting 14 illegal gambling websites.
CSD commander Major General Montree Thetkhan explained that the initiative followed a similar crackdown two months ago, which dismantled 10 underground gambling dens connected to an entity called Fat Fast, seizing $12.93 million in assets and apprehending 30 individuals.
Thailand didn’t raise any alarms at first. It took a Facebook post about the incident for the police to realize it happened, and there are continuing claims of corruption within the force.
During the investigation into the Fat Fast case, authorities discovered a much larger illegal gambling network that spanned the country, resulting in this week's operations.
Corruption and illegal activities remain prevalent in Thailand's heterogeneous underworld, and the country's police force acknowledges the challenge. This week's developments offer a glimpse of its ongoing efforts to curtail this insidious presence, fortifying public trust in the vibrant Asian nation.
Enrichment Data:
illegal gambling operators, the country is on a mission. It wants to show the world that it’s taking its job seriously. That includes launching a series of raids against illegal casinos, both land-based and online.
- The Thailand Police Department and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha have been involved in various corruption scandals1.
- Recent investigations have pointed to significant corporate corruption in the country, including bribery and corruption in the manufacturing and tourism sectors2.
- Thailand has experienced a rise in cybercrime, with many underscoring the complicity of law enforcement officials in the illicit activities3.
- The absence of a strong regulatory framework for gaming in the country has led to outlawed casinos operating with impunity, exploiting a legal loophole in the Anti-Gambling Act 19354.
- Thai authorities continue to crack down on cyber gambling platforms and shut down illegal casino operations, including a recent seizure of assets worth $848,000 and the arrest of 50 individuals5.
- The investigation led to the transfer of four police officers, including Colonel Termrat Jindawat, due to allegations of collaboration with illegal gambling operators operating at the gambling den.
- In an effort to curb illegal gambling activities, the Thai police's Crime Suppression Division announced a new operation targeting 14 illegal gambling websites this week.
- The div revealed that the security guard and two associates were hired to secure the gambling den for two consecutive evenings, but during the incident, they were threatened and their security cameras were removed.