Police Bust Illegal Online Gambling Ring in Hua Hin, Arrest Six Suspects
HUA HIN, Thailand – A major crackdown by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) has led to the arrest of six individuals involved in an illegal online gambling operation in the coastal town of Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Crackdown on LAVAMAX1688 Gambling Network
CCIB Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiewpan revealed that the investigation focused on LAVAMAX1688, a gambling network that had processed over 8 million baht in transactions within just eight months. Acting on arrest warrants for seven suspects, police launched a raid on three locations in Hua Hin on Saturday.
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At a rental room in Hua Hin Soi 126, officers arrested three key suspects responsible for administering the gambling website. Five computers used in the operation were also seized.
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Three additional suspects, who worked as customer service administrators earning 12,000 baht per month, were also detained.
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A second location, a house in Hua Hin Soi 126, was raided, uncovering financial records and computers linked to a key financial beneficiary. However, the individual was not present at the time.
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At a third location, a house in Hua Hin Soi Chonprathan 15, police found no occupants, but investigations are ongoing.
Mastermind Still at Large
During interrogations, the suspects admitted to operating the illegal gambling site, believing Hua Hin to be a safe base for their activities. However, authorities have identified a key mastermind with advanced technological expertise who remains at large.
Legal Consequences and Ongoing Investigations
The six arrested individuals face multiple charges, including:
✔ Operating illegal online gambling without authorization
✔ Money laundering
✔ Engaging in financial transactions linked to criminal activity
Authorities are intensifying efforts to track down the remaining suspect and dismantle the network entirely.
