BANGKOK, Thailand – Pumtham Vechayachai, acting Minister of Interior, led a special operations team from the Department of Provincial Administration to launch “Singh Prab Phayot,” a crackdown on a notorious gambling den in Don Mueang. Authorities arrested 200 gamblers, seizing evidence of an estimated 500 million baht in monthly circulation. Pumtham emphasized that tips from vigilant citizens are crucial in creating a society free from vice.
The Department of Provincial Administration’s special task force raided the repeatedly targeted Don Mueang gambling site, which has previously been raided multiple times by police, military, and government officials. The team blocked all entry and exit points, cutting through large metal doors to gain access. Inside, authorities found over 200 gamblers using five fully equipped gambling rooms, including areas on artificial turf football fields and nearby buildings. Food and beverage stalls were also set up, creating a mini-market atmosphere.
Acting Minister Pumtham inspected the site and revealed that daily transactions ranged from 5–10 million baht, totaling 300–400 million baht monthly. Gambling operated from 10 a.m. until 6 a.m. the following day, with VIP tables seeing 3–4 million baht in circulation per hour. Investigations have identified the property owner and tenant, though the authorities are still examining the connection between the tenant, the owner, and a woman whose name appeared on bank records.
Despite the gambling den’s history of filing complaints against authorities during previous raids, this operation demonstrated that law enforcement can act effectively. Officials will collect evidence and prosecute those involved, and consideration is being given to permanently shutting down the site, which has been raided more than 20 times by various agencies. (TNA)
