Operation “Taming the Lion” Leads to 200 Arrests in Major Illegal Gambling Raid
Major Raid Shuts Down Illegal Gambling Den in Don Muang
Authorities carried out Operation “Taming the Lion” in an effort to shut down one of Bangkok’s most lucrative illegal gambling establishments. The operation culminated in a raid on a location in the Don Muang district, resulting in more than 200 arrests.
Illegal Gambling Den Earning Millions Monthly
Officials reported that the gambling den operated nearly 24 hours a day, generating an estimated 500 million Thai Baht, equivalent to approximately $13.8 million, each month. The venue opened at 10 a.m. daily and closed only for a brief period in the early morning before resuming activity.
Investigation and Surveillance Led to the Bust
The raid followed weeks of careful monitoring prompted by complaints from local residents who noted loud noises and unusual gatherings late at night. These tip-offs were deemed critical by the Ministry of Interior’s Special Operations Unit, which launched a covert investigation to uncover the illegal activity.
Well-Organized and Resilient Operation
Law enforcement discovered a highly sophisticated gambling setup that had previously evaded significant penalties by exploiting legal loopholes. Inside the facility, police found five distinct gambling rooms, including a main hall and exclusive VIP sections, each generating between 3 to 4 million Baht (about $92,800 to $123,700) in just a few hours of operation.
Authorities also confiscated 17 bank passbooks linked to accounts used for managing the gambling revenue. These financial records are now critical to tracing monetary flows and identifying the broader network’s operators.
Ongoing Efforts to Dismantle Larger Gambling Networks
Officials believe that this Don Muang gambling den was part of a wider illegal gambling network functioning throughout Bangkok. The raid aimed not only to close this venue but also to gather intelligence on the larger syndicate behind it.
Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai emphasized that the den had been raided several times before but managed to continue illegal operations.
The arrested individuals now face prosecution. Previous tip-offs have uncovered similar illegal establishments, such as a gambling site in the Bang Yai district of Nonthaburi and a huge online gambling network busted by the Thai Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau in November 2023.
Official Announcement and Leadership Involved in the Operation
The success of the raid was publicly announced on August 27 at 11 p.m. by Phumtham Wechayachai alongside senior leaders from the Ministry of Interior and Royal Thai Police. Key officials present included Ansit Samphantharat, the Ministry’s permanent secretary, Ronnarong Thipsiri, deputy director-general of the Department of Provincial Administration, and Police Chief Pol Col Puwadol Oonpothi.
