The tourists were caught in a raid carried out on a venue called the ‘Phuket Poker Sport Club (PPSC)’, located in Soi Poonphol, at 11pm last night (Feb 20), Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum announced today.
Pol Col Ekkalak Boonsangcharoen, Chief of Investigation at Phuket Provincial Police, led the raid, he said.
The gambling den, managed by a Thai national, was discovered to be secretly operating and hosting Chinese gamblers.
The tourists were found taking part in the illegal gambling at the venue, where they exchanged chips worth over B1 million for cash.
Police also arrested one Thai gambler during the operation.
A range of gambling equipment was seized during the raid, including four poker tables, two ‘fish shooting’ machines, five electric mahjong tables, and over B1mn in gambling chips.
The arrested individuals were taken to the Phuket City Police Station for legal action, Pol Maj Gen Sinlert confirmed.
Pol Maj Gen Sinlert also assured that they are continuing to investigate the Thai nationals who facilitated the illegal operation and the Chinese investors involved.