A Taiwanese online gambling ring has used Thailand as its operational base. It rents luxury properties in Chiang Mai. The ring attracted players from both China and Thailand. It also generated a monthly cash flow of over 10 million baht or $290K.
Following an investigation into Taiwanese nationals renting luxury properties for online gambling, police took action on November 27. Police Major General Worapong Kamlue led a team. They had a court order to raid three locations connected to the international gambling network betadd.app. Kamlue is the commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division at the Provincial Police Region 5.
Police targeted a luxury condominium on Nimmanhaemin Road Soi 8 in Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, during the first raid, arresting six suspects. They include one Taiwanese national, Mr. Ye, aged 31, as well as five Thai nationals: Mr. Nakharin, 24, Mr. Nuengwinai, 28, Ms. Angkana, 24, an Ms. Thipyarat, 20, and Mr. Natthawong, 20. Authorities have seized evidence, including five computers and five mobile phones.
The second raid took place at Room 708 in a luxury condominium on Ratchaphruek Road, Chang Phueak Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District. Police arrested eight suspects. The group consists of one Taiwanese national, Mrs. Huang, aged 24. The seven Thai nationals are Mr. Supharerk, 31; Mr. Phatchakorn, 22; Mr. Thawisak, 23; Mr. Chatpat, 22; Mr. Suphakorn, 29; Mr. Ratchanon, 27; and Ms. Porntiwa, 22. Authorities seized nine computers and eighteen mobile phones.
The third raid happened at a condominium on Huay Kaew Road, Suthep Subdistrict Mueang Chiang Mai District. Police arrested five suspects. This compromises one Myanmar national, Ms. Thida, 18, and four Thai nationals: Mr. Suphawit, 21, Mr. Thitikorn, 26, Mr. Bulakorn, 20, and Mr. Thananon, 30. The police confiscated five computers as evidence.
All suspects face charges for organizing or promoting illegal gambling, encouraging participation in gambling directly or indirectly, and violating Thailand’s Gambling Act.
