Seafood Restaurant in Pattaya Allegedly Hid Dragon Tiger Gambling Operation
Seafood Restaurant in Pattaya Allegedly Hid Dragon Tiger Gambling Operation
PATTAYA, October 8, 2026 — Pattaya police detained 18 alleged gamblers during a late-night raid on a suspected illegal Dragon Tiger card gambling operation above a seafood restaurant in Soi Kho Pai, Pattaya City, Chon Buri.
The raid took place at around 10:35 p.m. on October 7 at a seafood restaurant located at 168/41-42 in the Koh Phai area.
Police seized 46,980 baht in cash, 30 decks of cards and various pieces of gambling equipment during the operation.
The raid was led by Pattaya Police Station chief Pol Col Anek Sarathongyu, together with deputy superintendent Pol Lt Col Siriwat Katchamat and investigation deputy superintendent Pol Lt Col Arut Sapanon.
Tip-off leads police to second floor
Police said the operation followed information from an informant who reported suspected illegal gambling at the restaurant.
According to police, the establishment was operating as a seafood restaurant on the ground floor, while the second floor was allegedly being used as a gambling venue.
Police also said a lookout had been stationed at the premises to monitor for law-enforcement officers and alert people inside if necessary.
After monitoring the location, officers observed people gradually entering the second-floor room before moving in to conduct the raid.
The lookout reportedly spotted the police and attempted to make a telephone call to warn those inside. Officers said they detained the person before an alert could be sent.
18 detained as police seize gambling equipment
Inside the room, officers found 18 Thai men and women allegedly placing cash bets on Dragon Tiger, a card-based gambling game.
Police identified a Cambodian woman, approximately 30 years old, as the dealer.
According to police, those inside appeared startled when officers entered but were unable to escape. All 18 alleged gamblers were detained without violence.
The evidence seized included:
- 46,980 baht in cash
- 30 decks of playing cards
- Card-dealing equipment
- Card-moving sticks
- A Dragon Tiger betting mat
- A score display screen
Pol Col Anek ordered the detained individuals and seized evidence to be taken to Pattaya Police Station for questioning before being handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings.
The case remains subject to the legal process, and the allegations have not been established in court.
