Officers, accompanied by police and Royal Thai Navy personnel, raided a restaurant in the Soi Saensuk area of Phuket Town yesterday (July 10), where 11 suspects were arrested for gambling on Muay Thai fights.
When the raid party arrived, the suspects were watching a fight on television.
The officers then raided a minimart on Thep Pratan Rd, on the east side of Phuket Town, where 12 suspects were arrestedfor gambling on Muay Thai. Some suspects attempted to flee, but were quickly taken into custody. Also arrested was shop owner Vithee Jareukan.
Just after midnight on Saturday night, more than 20 officers, including police and military personnel, raided another minimart and another restaurant, this time on Phung Muang Sai Kor Rd.
At the back of the restaurant raided was a serving window allegedly used for taking bets and making payouts. Among the items seized in the raid was B70,000 cash.
Shop staff Surasak Kamonchaiphisit and Thongchai Inprung were taken into custody for allegedly running the gambling operation.
Later at the minimart that was raided, officers seized a slot machine that was just inside the front door.
Kritsada Boonchuay, 38, was arrested as the owner of the slot machine, while the shop owner, Ratree Wongkot, 58, was also arrested for at least providing the venue for gambling to take place.
Another person, not named by police, was arrested at the minimart, police confirmed.
All 29 suspects were taken to Phuket City Police Station and charged for gambling offenses.