Phuket Town police superintendent Pol Col Sermpant Sirikong Monday ordered a team of police to shut down operation of an illegal ‘goong-pla’ (also known as ‘shrimp-fish’, a Thai game of chance) casino.
The casino, organised on an ad hoc basis in a wooded section behind Suan Luang Rama IX Park in Wichit, was raided about 3.30pm yesterday.
Arrested were eight women and three men: Mrs Kemtong Supapa, 67; Mrs Songran Praimee, 42; Mrs Surat Taloompook, 65; Petchmangorn Ratanawisootikul, 60; Mrs Jah Jantla-or, 70; Sukon Boonchit, 63; Samruay Praimee, 70; Miss Pacharaporn Sae-Oui, 29; Miss Aree Chusri, 38; Miss Jira Taloompook, 50; and Miss Noi Praimee, 46.
Police also seized various gambling related items as evidence.
Pol Col Sermpant said the raid was prompted by orders from the provincial police office to crackdown without exception on local gambling venues.
“I ordered my men to come up with intelligence, and they received information from a local person regarding the casino behind the park. The informant said its services were used from day-to-day by gambling men and women in great number, and that it was operated by ‘Koh Chor’ – who is well-known in Phuket.”
“When we arrived at the wood, we saw a crowd of men and women, their heads bent down, deep in play. Noticing us, they began running in all directions.”
Sermpant’s men were able to capture eleven of the gamblers.
The group was arrested on charges of unauthorised gaming (‘goong-pla’).
– Source: Siang Tai