Online Gambling Network With 140,000 Members Targeted in Thai Police Operation
Online Gambling Network With 140,000 Members Targeted in Thai Police Operation
BANGKOK, November 3, 2026 — Thai cyber police have arrested a 27-year-old man from Phuket suspected of working as an administrator for the Pharuey online gambling network, following raids on two properties in Krabi province.
Police said the gambling websites had been operating for more than five years, attracting over 140,000 members and generating average monthly turnover of more than 10 million baht.
The operation was conducted on November 1 after officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau traced the network’s alleged operating base to Krabi.
Police Lieutenant General Thinakorn Rangmat, commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, and his deputy, Police Major General Arut Saengchan, ordered officers from Division 2 to carry out the searches.
Two properties raided in Krabi
Investigators identified pharuey.asia and pharuey.info as websites allegedly offering various forms of online gambling, including international football betting, lotteries, slot games, baccarat, dragon tiger, hi-lo and pok deng.
Officers from Division 2’s Investigation Sub-Division 4 obtained a search warrant from the Krabi Provincial Court before raiding two houses in Moo 2, Khlong Phon subdistrict, Khlong Thom district.
The warrant, numbered 323/2569, was issued on October 31, 2026.
Suspect allegedly worked as gambling site administrator
During the searches, police arrested Kanatsanan, 27, from Phuket, and seized four desktop computers, one laptop and internet equipment. A total of 10 items were taken as evidence.
According to investigators, Kanatsanan admitted during questioning that he had worked as an administrator for the gambling websites for more than a year.
His alleged responsibilities included communicating with customers, processing account top-ups and resolving problems involving access to the gambling platform.
Police said he received a monthly salary of 20,000 baht.
He faces a preliminary allegation of jointly organising gambling activities or using electronic media to solicit, promote, facilitate or invite others to participate in gambling, directly or indirectly.
Police said the investigation would continue in accordance with the legal process.
