BANGKOK — Wang Thonglang police officers raided a Chinese restaurant in Soi Ladprao 80, intersection 22 on Saturday night, after receiving intelligence about another illegal gambling operation in the area.
This gambling den is connected to the one in Soi Sahakarn Pramoon that was discovered on November 5, where 21 gamblers of Chinese, Taiwanese, and Thai nationalities were arrested.
The Ladprao 80 operation followed the same business model, using brokers to recruit Chinese residents living in Huai Khwang and Ratchada areas through WeChat application to participate in gambling.
During the search on November 9 at 9:30 p.m., officers found a private VIP room at the back of the building, where four Chinese men were caught playing Mahjong. All of them had tourist visas. They confessed to being friends who were invited through WeChat to play Mahjong, claiming it was their first time at this restaurant.
The restaurant manager, a Chinese national, confessed to working at the establishment for about 10 months, with a Thai woman as the owner. The gambling table and equipment were reportedly brought in just 10 days ago by a Chinese friend.
Police seized the gambling table, equipment, and over 70,000 baht in cash as evidence. The four Chinese men were arrested and charged with illegal gambling. The restaurant manager was charged with operating an illegal gambling establishment. All suspects will be detained and presented to the Criminal Court on Monday, November 11.
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