Pattaya raid uncovers illegal foreign-run gambling and scam operations
Over 50 arrested in luxury apartment block used for casino, call centre, and illicit services.
Key points:
– Thai authorities raided a central Pattaya complex housing illegal gambling and scam operations
– 50 foreigners were arrested across multiple floors, including casino patrons, bar staff, and call centre workers
– Suspects face charges ranging from immigration offences to criminal conspiracy
As reported by The Thaiger, Thai authorities have arrested 50 foreign nationals in a raid on an illegal entertainment complex operated within a luxury apartment building in central Pattaya.
The early morning raid on June 17 was carried out by more than 50 officers from the Chon Buri Immigration Bureau, Mueang Pattaya Police Station, and the Pattaya Administrative Office. The operation targeted the eight-storey Holiday apartment complex on Soi Paniad Chang, which had been secretly functioning as a multi-purpose criminal hub.
On the second floor, police discovered a makeshift casino and detained 20 foreign gamblers, including Chinese, Vietnamese, and Singaporean nationals. Gambling chips worth over THB1m (US$27,000), playing cards, and other paraphernalia were seized.
Good to know: The Holiday complex was under surveillance following a previous shooting case. Investigations revealed that suspects had been frequenting the building, prompting the coordinated raid
The middle floors served as living quarters and housed a luxury karaoke bar offering illegal sexual services. Twenty-four foreign workers, mostly Chinese, were arrested for working without permits.
On the top floor, six Chinese nationals were arrested for operating a call centre scam. Officers found evidence of ransomware activities targeting victims in China. Police seized laptops and mobile phones believed to be used in the attacks.
Those involved in gambling face penalties under Thailand’s Gambling Act, while the call centre operators could face up to seven years’ imprisonment and a THB140,000 fine. Immigration and labour law violations are being pursued for the foreign workers.
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