Key Moments:
- Thai authorities detained five Indian nationals following a raid on a Pattaya condominium tied to online gambling.
- Police confiscated electronics and financial documents showing transactions totaling several million Indian rupees, around THB 2 million (US$54,000).
- Investigators suspect the group served as administrators for offshore gambling sites targeting international clients.
Authorities Target Foreign-Led Gambling Networks
Immigration police in Thailand have taken action against alleged online gambling activity by detaining five Indian nationals in Pattaya. The arrests came after a raid on a condominium in Soi Thep Prasit 17, Nong Prue, prompted by intelligence suggesting that foreign workers were running illicit online operations from the location, as reported by local media.
Financial Evidence Seized in Raid
During the operation, officers discovered five men, aged between 24 and 39, using laptops inside the residential unit. The police seized three laptops, 22 mobile phones, one tablet, several credit cards, and notebooks that detailed transaction histories. According to investigators, the records documented several million Indian rupees in transactions, equivalent to roughly THB 2 million (US$54,000).
The seized financial data is believed to be associated with online gambling platforms catering to foreign customers. Authorities are investigating whether the detained individuals were responsible for managing customer relations, processing payments, or verifying player accounts for offshore gambling sites.
| Items Seized | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Laptops | 3 |
| Mobile Phones | 22 |
| Tablets | 1 |
| Credit Cards | Several |
| Notebooks with Financial Records | Several |
Suspects Admit Administrative Roles
Immigration police reported that the five men initially denied engaging in illegal activity, but later gave conflicting accounts during questioning. Officials stated that the detainees eventually admitted to acting as online administrators responding to customer queries but would not disclose the exact nature of their services.
Investigators suspect this team could be part of a broader network exploiting Thailand as a base for support operations, while actual gambling activities take place offshore. Such networks typically require staff dedicated to handling customer support and payments away from the gambling hub’s home jurisdiction.
Ongoing Investigation and Broader Crackdown
The detained individuals remain in custody as immigration and cybercrime units examine the digital and financial evidence collected in the raid. Authorities indicated that additional charges may be filed once the investigation is completed.
Thailand has intensified its focus on disrupting illegal online gambling, paying particular attention to administrative operations that enable offshore platforms to serve international customers anonymously. Law enforcement continues to assess whether similar setups are present in Pattaya or other tourist destinations, leveraging rented residential accommodations for covert activity.
Broader Context of Enforcement
Police are also looking into possible connections between the detained group and other foreign-run operations within Thailand. The investigation comes alongside efforts to enforce anti-gambling regulations following recent incidents, including the launch of an inquiry into the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) after allegations that a contestant promoted an online gambling brand ahead of a Bangkok event, an act purported to conflict with local laws.
- Author
Daniel Williams
