In an unusual move, senior officers at Bangkok’s Wang Thonglang Police Station will keep their posts following a recent raid on an illegal gambling den, as investigations revealed no signs of negligence on their part.
On November 6, Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengswang, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, announced that initial investigations had found no lapses in the officers’ duties. He stressed the importance of maintaining morale within the force.
The case began when local residents tipped off authorities about suspicious activity at a building in Sahakarn Pramoon Soi, Wang Thonglang district. A joint operation was launched, involving the Children and Women’s Welfare Division, the Metropolitan Police Investigation Division, and officers from Wang Thonglang Police Station. Undercover agents discovered that the gambling operation, which was exclusively catering to Chinese clients, was being run by Chinese nationals. Investigators also learned the group had plans to expand to other areas with large Chinese populations.
In the late hours of November 5, authorities raided the establishment, arresting 21 individuals—13 Chinese nationals, 4 Taiwanese, and 4 Thai citizens, including 17 men and 4 women. Seized evidence included 396 black chips (valued at 10,000 baht each), 228 yellow chips (1,000 baht each), 396 red chips (500 baht each), 12 green chips, 12 clear chips, two decks of cards, and four exchange rate sheets for the gambling chips.
The suspects face charges for operating and participating in illegal gambling activities. While they admitted to participating in gambling, they denied involvement with narcotics.
Commissioner Thiti explained that the operation’s exclusive nature—serving only Chinese clientele through Chinese connections—made it harder for local police to detect. He noted that districts such as Wang Thonglang, Huai Khwang, and Sutthisan have seen increased foreign investment, which has created opportunities for illegal activities to flourish.
“While it is essential to investigate thoroughly and take disciplinary action when necessary, we must also ensure fairness for officers who have fulfilled their duties properly,” Pol. Lt. Gen. Thiti concluded
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