PHUKET — Police have arrested 13 Chinese tourists who allegedly flew to Thailand specifically to participate in illegal gambling activities at an underground poker establishment in the city center. The arrests were made during a joint operation by Phuket Provincial Police on February 21.
Following an extensive investigation, law enforcement officials discovered that Chinese investors had been operating an illegal gambling operation at the Phuket Poker Sport Club (PPSC) in Soi Phun Phon, Talat Nuea subdistrict, with local Thai management. Police conducted the raid at 11:00 p.m. Friday, resulting in the arrest of 14 individuals – 13 Chinese nationals and one Thai citizen.
During the operation, authorities seized substantial evidence including four poker tables, two fish shooting game machines, five electronic mahjong tables, gambling chips worth 1,030,000 baht ($30,650) and 32 other items of evidence. All suspects and evidence were transferred to Phuket City Police Station for legal proceedings.
Investigators are continuing their probe to identify and prosecute other individuals involved in supporting the illegal gambling operation, particularly focusing on the Chinese investors behind the enterprise.
Police Lieutenant General Surapong Thanomjit, Commander of Provincial Police Region 8, stated that the operation was part of the government’s urgent measures to address illegal immigration and unlawful business operations by foreigners, including transnational crime. National Police Chief Police General Kittirat Phanphet has emphasized the importance of effective crime suppression in these areas.
While gambling remains illegal in Thailand, underground operations continue to proliferate, with Chinese tourists often renting venues such as restaurants to run gambling operations in collaboration with local Thai accomplices.
The current government is considering policies to legalize and regulate gambling establishments, including a proposal for entertainment complexes with integrated casinos, though this remains a contentious issue among the public.
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