Pattaya Police RaidUnderground Poker House, Nine Detained

In a dramatic late-night raid, Chonburi Immigration officials and Pattaya Tourist Police stormed an unnumbered house in Soi Thung Klom–Tan Mhan 5/1, Nongprue Subdistrict, East Pattaya, on August 26. The house had been under surveillance after residents complained about foreigners causing public nuisance, blocking streets with parked vehicles, and leaving behind trash in the neighborhood.

What police uncovered was more than a gathering — it was an organized illegal poker den run primarily by Chinese and Korean nationals.

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Nine Arrested, Poker Tables Seized

Authorities detained nine individuals during the raid: five Chinese men, three Korean men, and one Korean woman. Several attempted to flee but were quickly subdued by officers. Inside the house, police discovered multiple poker tables, bundles of Thai currency, poker chips valued at around 1 million baht, several decks of cards, and even a money-counting machine — clear evidence of a structured gambling operation. The suspects were taken to Chonburi Immigration headquarters for further interrogation.

Organizers Identified

Investigations revealed that the illegal poker ring was headed by three individuals:

• Mr. Hao Tang (35), a Chinese national,
• Mr. Ji Hwan Lee (35), a Korean national, and
• Ms. Youngyoung Kim (31), also from Korea.

All three admitted to organizing the games for profit. They now face charges of “organizing gambling for profit in violation of the law. In addition, Hao Tang has been charged with overstaying his visa in Thailand, further complicating his legal troubles. The remaining six detainees face charges of “illegal gambling for profit” and have been transferred to Nongprue Police Station for processing.

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Local Concerns Sparked Police Action

The raid comes as local residents have grown increasingly frustrated with illegal gambling activities in Pattaya. Aside from disturbing the peace, authorities noted that such dens often attract related crimes — including money laundering, debt disputes, and in some cases, violent incidents. Pattaya authorities have vowed to continue cracking down on gambling houses, which are strictly prohibited under Thai law, to protect the city’s reputation as a family-friendly tourist destination.

Thailand’s Zero Tolerance for Gambling

Thailand enforces some of the strictest anti-gambling laws in Southeast Asia. With the exception of the state lottery and licensed horse racing, all other forms of gambling are illegal. Despite this, underground casinos continue to thrive, often catering to foreign nationals. In recent years, Pattaya has become a hotspot, given its international community and high influx of tourists. Officials stress that such operations tarnish the city’s global image and pose risks of organized crime infiltration. The latest arrests highlight both the persistence of underground gambling and the determination of Thai authorities to stamp it out.

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What’s Next for the Suspects?

Legal experts suggest the detained foreigners could face deportation after serving their sentences. In Hao Tang’s case, his immigration violation could result in a multi-year ban from re-entering Thailand. Meanwhile, police are investigating whether the poker den was linked to larger transnational gambling syndicates. If proven, the suspects could face harsher penalties and expanded charges.

For more detailed updates, case follow-ups, and exclusive insights into the underground gambling world in Asia, follow Better Poker News for continuous coverage and expert analysis.

FAQs

1. Why is gambling illegal in Thailand?
Gambling is prohibited under Thai law to prevent addiction, financial exploitation, and associated crimes. Only the state lottery and horse racing are exceptions.

2. What penalties do offenders face?
Organizers can face imprisonment of up to two years and/or hefty fines. Foreigners often face deportation in addition to criminal charges.

3. How did authorities learn about this poker den?
Local residents reported disturbances such as blocked streets and littering, which led to an investigation and subsequent raid.

4. What was seized during the raid?
Police confiscated poker tables, cards, chips worth 1 million baht, cash, and a money-counting machine.

5. Are these raids common in Pattaya?
Yes. Pattaya is frequently monitored due to its large international presence, and police regularly carry out raids to curb illegal gambling activities.