BANGKOK — Police arrested 16 Chinese nationals operating an illegal online gambling network from 10 hotel rooms in the Rama 9 area, seizing computers, phones, and untaxed goods in a raid on Tuesday night.
The arrests came after suspicious activity was reported when the group rented multiple rooms simultaneously and moved in numerous computers.
Police from Makkasan station raided the hotel in Huai Khwang district’s Bang Kapi sub-district on February 18, seizing 20 computers and laptops, 12 mobile phones, and untaxed cigarettes and imported goods.
The operation was part of a broader initiative by National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panpetch to monitor foreign nationals potentially disrupting social order. Makkasan Police Station officers had been conducting surveillance through the “Stop Walk Talk” program, which encourages hotel staff and residents to report suspicious behavior.
Hotel staff reported the suspects had rented the rooms annually, brought in numerous computers, and kept some rooms strictly off-limits to cleaning staff while maintaining interconnected access between other rooms.
All 16 suspects face charges of operating illegal gambling activities, working illegally as foreigners, and smuggling untaxed goods.
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