Chinese Tourists Arrested in Thailand After Police Raid Secret Casino
Posted on: December 1, 2023, 10:03h.
Last updated on: December 2, 2023, 01:49h.
Police raided a hotel in Thailand on Wednesday, dismantling an illegal gambling operation and arresting 26 Chinese tourists, among others, in the process. This comes as Thailand has been trying to attract more tourists from China.
Immigration police raided two floors of a hotel in Nonthaburi, just west of Bangkok, after receiving an anonymous tip. They uncovered an illegal casino operation there, as reported by media outlet Nation Thailand.
According to the report, the casino had been operating secretly on the eighth and ninth floors of the hotel. The entrance to the illegal establishment was secured through key cards, which implies the gamblers had made advanced preparations to visit.
Police arrested 49 people in total, some from Canada, Singapore, Myanmar, and Thailand. However, the casino allegedly primarily served Chinese tourists.
During the raid, authorities confiscated six baccarat tables, six slot machines, and 100 packs of playing cards. They also seized THB3.5 million baht (about US$99,000) in cash and an unspecified amount of gaming chips.
China was one of Thailand’s most important tourism sources before the COVID-19 pandemic. As travel continues to return to normal, Thailand began making it easier for Chinese tourists to visit the country.
Larger Investigation Underway
Gambling remains prohibited in Thailand, although that could soon change, leading to potential legal consequences for those involved. Individuals found guilty of participating in illegal gambling activities in the country may face penalties, such as fines of up to $1,000 and imprisonment for a maximum of 12 months.
The report from Nation Thailand didn’t provide specific details regarding the potential penalties for foreigners. However, the investigation is just beginning, and prosecutors are still building their case.
There could be considerable fallout as it continues. A top law enforcement official, Deputy Police Commander Kittirat Phanpetch, plans on launching a massive investigation that will extend into the police force’s ranks.
Based on the assumption that the casino operated for years, he believes it may have received help in keeping a low cover. Kittirat wants to find out if any officers were negligent in their duties or if they received bribes to protect the outfit.
Source: casino.org
