Thailand Police Raid Underground Poker Ring in Phuket Villa

Authorities in Phuket, Thailand, conducted a significant raid on February 11, targeting an underground poker operation linked to foreign organizers. The enforcement action highlights ongoing efforts to combat illegal gambling activities in Thailand.

Police arrested nine foreign nationals at a luxury villa in Rawai, where high-stakes poker games were reportedly taking place. The operation was promoted through social media, specifically an Instagram account named “Poker Level”, which was used to invite players to exclusive games.

Phuket Police Villa Surveillance and Arrests

The investigation began when officers from Chalong Police Station identified the Instagram account promoting private poker sessions. The adverts were written in Russian and directed interested players to connect via a messaging link.

Access to the games was reportedly restricted to non-Thai participants, indicating an organized effort to operate discreetly within the foreign community.

On the evening of February 11, police received intelligence about a scheduled poker session. Surveillance was set up around the villa, where officers observed signs of active gambling, including visible lighting and a group engaged at a poker table.

After confirming that gambling was occurring, police raided the property and detained nine individuals without incident. The arrested group consisted of seven Russians, one Ukrainian, and one Kazakh national. During the raid, authorities seized various items, including cash, playing cards, a poker table, and chips with assigned cash values. Also, several phones and computers were confiscated for further investigation.

Digital Evidence and Ongoing Investigation

The seized electronic devices will undergo forensic examination to trace communications and financial transactions related to the poker games. Investigators aim to uncover how the games were organized and whether additional sessions took place.

Notably, bets were placed using both Thai baht and cryptocurrency, adding a complex financial layer to the case that requires detailed scrutiny. Each participant allegedly paid a 20,000 baht entry fee to join the games, emphasizing the high stakes involved.

Authorities are focused on expanding the investigation based on the digital evidence collected. The analysis will include reviewing cryptocurrency transfers and tracking payment flows to establish the broader network involved in these illegal activities.

Legal Proceedings Under Thailand’s Gambling Laws

All nine suspects now face charges under Section 12 of the Gambling Act for organizing gambling activities without permission and participating in illegal gambling. Police have transferred the group to investigators for further legal processing as the case continues to develop. As the investigation unfolds, authorities have indicated that additional charges may arise if new evidence comes to light.