CHIANG MAI — 18 September 2026, Thailand’s Department of Provincial Administration raided two major gambling dens in central Chiang Mai on Thursday night, arresting more than 100 gamblers and seizing cash and gambling chips worth more than 2 million baht.
The operation was led by Noppal Pheer Suwannachai, head of a special operations team from the Department of Provincial Administration, following complaints from residents about large gambling operations allegedly operating in local communities.
The first raid targeted Phattharawan gambling den in the Santitham community. Officers entered the first floor of Phattharawan Place on Soi Sermsuk Road in Chang Phueak subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai district.
The area had reportedly been converted into a large gambling hall offering several types of gambling, including Hi-Lo, fish-shooting arcade games and baccarat.
The venue had strict security measures, with a counter for collecting gamblers’ mobile phones and body searches conducted before entry.
The second raid targeted Si Ping Muang gambling den in the Haiya community, located at Kad Wiang Ping food centre on Si Ping Muang Road in Haiya subdistrict.
The single-storey building reportedly had only one entrance and exit, with security guards strictly collecting communication devices from visitors.
Inside, officers found gambling involving animal pictures and a traditional dice game known as Nam Tao Pu Pla, also referred to locally as Mak Hok Lok or Bak Tok Khon. The game used four animal-shaped dice on a large table.
Foreign workers were reportedly employed to take bets and pay out winnings. Both Thai and foreign gamblers were said to have frequented the venue throughout the day.
The raids followed complaints received by the Department of Provincial Administration. Officials from its Investigation and Legal Affairs Bureau conducted surveillance and undercover investigations at the two locations before gathering sufficient information to launch the operation.
Investigators found that both gambling dens had extensive security systems designed to detect approaching authorities, including dozens of surveillance cameras and guards monitoring the premises.
Officials also allegedly observed gambling operators collecting cash and placing it in large handbags, reportedly for delivery to people believed to be behind the operations.
Some Cambodian nationals were also found working at the venues, potentially violating Thailand’s Gambling Act of 1935 and the Emergency Decree on Non-Thai Nationals’ Working Management of 2017.
Special operations officers simultaneously surrounded both locations to prevent escapes and quickly took control of the premises.
Authorities arrested more than 100 gamblers, including two foreign nationals, as well as 14 people allegedly organising the gambling, including eight foreign nationals, and four people accused of supporting the gambling operations.
Officials seized cash and gambling chips worth more than 2 million baht, along with gambling equipment, financial records and rental documents.
Some of the rental documents were reportedly linked to local politicians.
Mysterious call raises questions over political links
After the raids, a further development emerged when an unidentified caller reportedly contacted one of the gamblers while the person was being questioned and detained by officials.
The caller’s name and photograph reportedly appeared on the gambler’s mobile phone, allowing officers to identify the person behind the call.
Authorities are preparing to investigate the identity of the caller and any possible links to local political figures or people allegedly connected to the gambling operations.
All suspects and seized evidence were handed over to investigators at Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station and Chang Phueak Police Station for further legal proceedings.
