PATTAYA, Thailand – Concerns are growing that Pattaya is increasingly becoming a soft spot for foreign criminal networks, after tourism police uncovered a major illegal online gambling operation hidden inside a luxury villa in the city.
In a coordinated raid led by the Tourist Police Bureau Thailand, officers arrested 43 Indian nationals found working as administrators for a large-scale cross-border gambling network, with an estimated annual cash flow of 5 billion rupees, or approximately 1.6 billion baht.
The operation forms part of a wider crackdown ordered by Kitrat Phanphet, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, targeting transnational crime, illegal foreign workers, and cybercrime activities impacting Thailand’s economy and security.
The raid was carried out under the direction of Sakthira Phueak-am, Commissioner of the Tourist Police, with investigative teams working alongside local police and immigration officers in Chonburi.
Authorities began investigating after receiving a tip-off about suspicious activity at a villa near Mabprachan Reservoir. Despite appearing quiet from the outside, the property saw frequent deliveries of food and supplies, along with regular van transport—raising red flags. Officers conducted surveillance for over a month, gathering intelligence both on the ground and from aerial monitoring before obtaining a search warrant from the Pattaya Provincial Court.
When officers moved in on March 24, they found dozens of individuals inside, seated at computer stations operating as online gambling admins. Investigations revealed the group was managing more than 23 gambling websites, primarily targeting Indian customers, with each platform generating significant daily turnover.
The suspects reportedly rented the villa for 120,000 baht per month and had been operating for over a year, rotating staff in shifts of up to 50 people. A figure identified only as “AK” is believed to have overseen operations, supplying resources and paying workers in cash, with salaries ranging from 30,000 to 35,000 rupees per month.
Police seized a large quantity of evidence, including 50 mobile phones, 33 computer and monitor sets, laptops, networking equipment, and numerous SIM cards used in the operation.
All 43 suspects have been charged and handed over to investigators at Nongprue Police Station for legal proceedings. Authorities are now expanding the investigation to track down key figures behind the network.
Tourist police stressed that operations like this highlight a growing trend of foreign nationals exploiting Pattaya as a base for illegal activities under the cover of tourism. Officials vowed to continue aggressive enforcement to dismantle such networks and protect both the local economy and Thailand’s international tourism image.
