CHONBURI — Immigration police arrested 24 foreign nationals in two separate raids—one in Pattaya and another in a nearby area—authorities announced Thursday.
Officers arrested five Chinese nationals for illegal gambling at a luxury hotel in Na Kluea subdistrict after receiving reports of gambling activity, according to immigration police in Chonburi Province.
Four men — Wen Hao, 43, Zhaiqiang, 55, Di, 43, and Fangming, 41 — face charges of illegal gambling involving a three-card game. Long Lin, 49, was charged with organizing gambling for profit. All were transferred to Bang Lamung police station.
In a separate operation, immigration officers raided a rented house in Nong Prue subdistrict and arrested 19 Indian nationals accused of selling sexual enhancement drugs and sex toys online.
Police Lt. Gen. Panthana Nuchanart, deputy commander of the Immigration Bureau, said on December 18 that officers seized six computers, 21 mobile phones and large quantities of products during the raid.
The alleged ringleader, Sunil, 40, told investigators he and the others entered Thailand on visa-free entry and had operated the online business for three months, earning about 9,000 baht ($286) monthly each.
The 19 face charges including overstaying their visas and working without permits.
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