A special task force was assigned to the raid after commuters made a formal complaint –addressed to Phuket Governor Nisit Junsomwong and submitted through the provincial ombsbudman Damroangtham Centre – that they were unable to access Soi Dtaak Dat lane because it was always blocked by a number of parked cars belonging to non-residents, suspected to be participating in illegal activities at a suspicious house.
When police arrived to the gated three-bedroom townhouse in Kathu's Moo 1, they intercepted two men who appeared to be guarding the front door.
Police moved in quickly, and finding the front door locked, proceded to force entry into the house by cutting the padlock.
In a room inside, they surprised a group of card game participants deeply entranced in a popular Thai gambling card game, with cash and other waging and collecting parerphenelia out on the open table.
The owner of the house, Ms Sunisa Jonthong, 48, presented herself and admitted to being the host of the card game.
She was among 13 suspects who were escorted to Kathu Police station, where they were issued a citation for violating the Gambling Control Act, which requires a difficult-to-obtain permit for organizing any activity that promises/offers reward – financial or otherwise – based on chance.