The raid was led by Pol Col Surasak Jaidee, Chief of Chalong Police, on Wednesday (Feb 11) after officers received information that a poker game was scheduled to take place that day.
According to a police report, the investigation began after officers discovered an advertisement for poker gambling posted on Instagram under the name “Poker Level”. The message, written in Russian, invited players to join poker games at a private villa in Rawai.
Prospective participants were required to click a link on Instagram to contact organisers via WhatsApp.
“Only foreigners were accepted to play, with winnings settled in cryptocurrency and Thai baht cash. A registration fee of B20,000 per game was charged,” the police report stated.
Officers conducted surveillance at the villa and confirmed that illegal gambling was underway before entering the property and making the arrests.
Police seized cash, poker tables, playing cards and gambling chips at the scene. Digital devices including mobile phones and computers were also confiscated for further forensic examination.
All nine suspects have been charged with organising unauthorised gambling (poker) for monetary gain under Section 12 of the Gambling Act and participating in unauthorised gambling for monetary gain.
The suspects were taken to Chalong Police Station for further legal proceedings. Police are coordinating with immigration officials to review the visa status of those arrested.