After investigating a gambling operation that catered only to Chinese patrons, Bangkok police kept their jobs because they discovered no wrongdoing. Police emphasized the significance of fairness and morale after the raid, which led to the arrest of 21 people.
Bangkok—In contrast to standard procedure, top officers from the Bangna Police Station in Bangkok were not fired after a recent raid on a gambling establishment that catered only to Chinese patrons. Major General Titipong Sereewong, the head of Bangkok police, made this announcement on November 6 and said that the officers involved in the preliminary probe had not engaged in any misbehavior.
Reports from residents about questionable gaming activities in a building on Sahakarn Pramont Road in the Bangna district set off the event. The Department of Children’s and Women’s Welfare, the Bangkok Police examination Department, and the Bangna Police Station organized a special task force in response to the reports, sending undercover detectives to conduct a thorough examination of the area. According to the inquiry, Chinese nationals ran the gambling den, mainly catering to Chinese customers, with plans to open further locations in places where there are a lot of Chinese people.
On November 5, 2024, just before midnight, the police carried out the raid after a period of observation. Thirteen Chinese nationals, four Taiwanese, and four Thai citizens—17 men and four women—were among the 21 individuals apprehended as a result of the operation. Two decks of playing cards, four chip exchange rate tables, 396 black chips (worth 10,000 baht each), 228 yellow chips (worth 1,000 baht each), 396 red chips (worth 500 baht each), 12 green chips, and 12 clear chips were among the numerous gambling items that police confiscated from the scene.
Authorities accused the arrested people of participating in unlicensed gaming activities and running illicit gambling businesses after the raid. Although none of the defendants acknowledged using drugs, they all acknowledged the gambling accusations. According to Major General Titipong’s testimony, the gambling den’s operational model was distinct in that it relied on relationships within the Chinese community to serve its customers, making it difficult for local authorities to identify such activity. He said that places like Sutthisan, Bangna, and Huai Khwang have drawn a lot of foreign investment, making them ideal for illicit activities.
Major General Titipong stressed that while police must thoroughly look into such incidents and take appropriate disciplinary action when misconduct occurs, it is also crucial to maintain equity and make sure that officers who carry out their jobs well receive fair treatment. By urging officers to continue being effective and professional in their law enforcement work, he hoped to raise officer morale.
This incident serves as a reflection of the difficulties and complexities that law enforcement faces while attempting to stop unlawful gaming. Law enforcement authorities must implement more adaptable and efficient tactics to stop such behavior because of the den’s camouflage and its operational style, which targets particular populations. The action of the Bangkok police also sends a powerful message to the public: the police will enforce a zero-tolerance policy to maintain community safety and order, regardless of whether the activity is domestic or foreign.
