BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s Crime Suppression Division (CSD) has launched a major operation targeting the notorious “Tee Yai 888” online gambling syndicate. In coordinated raids across five provinces, officers arrested 13 suspects and confiscated assets valued at more than 50 million baht.
The operation, led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Witya Sriprasertphap, Commander of the CSD, involved over 80 officers who executed searches at 14 locations in Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, Buriram, Nakhon Nayok, and Chonburi. Among the arrested were the alleged ringleaders – 53-year-old Mr. Nitthitiwat and his 30-year-old wife, Ms. Nawaporn – along with individuals who acted as financial mules, administrators, accountants, and gamblers.
Charges filed include organizing illegal online gambling, encouraging others to gamble, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, all under arrest warrants issued by the Criminal Court.
Police seized a range of luxury items and documents as evidence, including 23 cars, 49 land title deeds, 46 branded goods, 5 gold items, 1 firearm, 22 electronic devices, 30 bank books, 29 ATM cards, and 160 other pieces of evidence.
Investigations revealed that the network had previously been dismantled in 2023 but later resumed operations under new website names. The new gambling platform offered full-scale services, from football betting and baccarat to slot machines and online lottery. Authorities found that the illegal income was laundered through legitimate front businesses such as construction companies and car rental services.
The impact on local communities was severe, with reports of gambling addiction among youth, rising family debt, and increased criminal activity — including violent robberies by young offenders who had lost money gambling online.
Police discovered that “Tee Yai 888” had been operating since 2022 and maintained a complex money trail using domestic bank accounts and e-wallets. Funds were rapidly distributed through numerous mule accounts tied to relatives and close associates. Despite large sums moving through these accounts, balances were routinely cleared to avoid detection.
Following months of surveillance and financial tracking, officers executed the decisive crackdown, aiming to dismantle the syndicate completely. The main suspects confessed, though a few individuals acting as money mules continued to deny involvement. All suspects were handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings.
