NONTHABURI, Thailand – More than 100 officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) launched “Dragon Nest” operation on July 26, raiding a luxury hotel in Nonthaburi allegedly used as a secret base by a Chinese grey capital network involved in illegal gambling, drug activities and prostitution services. The operation was carried out after investigators obtained a search warrant from the Criminal Court and surrounded the hotel on Ngam Wong Wan Road in Bang Khen subdistrict, Mueang Nonthaburi district.
Authorities said the investigation began after local residents reported suspicious activity, including groups of Chinese nationals entering and leaving the hotel around the clock while Thai customers were reportedly not allowed to use the facilities. Officers conducted surveillance and found the property had allegedly been transformed into a closed operation serving mainly Chinese customers.
Investigators said hotel floors 2 to 6 were used as accommodation, while floors 7 and 8 had been modified into private entertainment areas allegedly used for gambling and drug parties. The upper floors were reportedly protected by strict security measures. Officers said guards communicated by radio, elevators required key cards, and access beyond the sixth floor was restricted through locked stairways.
Authorities also alleged that many employees were Chinese nationals who lived inside the building to prevent information from reaching outsiders. The network was believed to have arranged transportation from airports to bring Chinese customers directly to the hotel, offering accommodation, gambling, drug-related entertainment and illegal sexual services. Police said the location had previously been raided in 2023, when 49 Thai and Chinese gamblers were arrested. Investigators allege the venue later closed temporarily for renovations before reopening.
During the latest search, officers found more than 40 people inside the building, including Chinese nationals, Myanmar workers and ethnic Shan workers. Four Chinese nationals were arrested, along with three Myanmar nationals accused of illegal entry. Police seized more than 200 items, including ketamine, “Happy Water” suspected to contain illegal substances, gambling chips, baccarat tables, dice, cash worth 110,000 baht and surveillance equipment.
Officers also inspected several vehicles in the parking area, with many registered to Chinese nationals. Investigators are checking possible links to nominee ownership arrangements.
One Chinese suspect allegedly told police he was only a worker responsible for delivering drugs on orders from others. He denied ownership of the drugs and cash found in the safe. The suspects and seized evidence were handed over to investigators at Ratthanathibet Police Station for legal action. Police said they will continue expanding the investigation to identify other people involved in the alleged network. (TNA)
