Sixteen Chinese Nationals Arrested in Pattaya Illegal Casino Raid
Sixteen Chinese Nationals Arrested in Pattaya Illegal Casino Raid
PATTAYA, May 14, 2026 — Thai immigration police and local authorities raided an illegal Chinese-run poker casino operating from a luxury pool villa in Pattaya late Wednesday, arresting 16 Chinese nationals and seizing gambling equipment, cash and mobile phones.
The operation took place at around 11 p.m. at a two-storey property in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province, after officers received intelligence that the house was being used as a private gambling venue catering exclusively to Chinese players.
Authorities said the upper floor of the villa had been converted into a makeshift casino where groups of Chinese nationals were gathered around poker tables when police entered the property.
Several suspects attempted to flee during the raid, with three men jumping from a second-floor window in an effort to escape.
Rescue workers from Sawang Boriboon Pattaya Foundation treated the injured suspects before they were transferred to hospital under police custody.
In total, officers arrested 16 Chinese nationals, including 13 men and three women.
Police seized poker tables, gambling chips, playing cards, a banknote counting machine, more than 93,000 baht ($2,500) in cash and over 20 mobile phones. Food and drinks prepared for players were also found inside the villa.
The raid involved officers from Chon Buri Immigration Office, Tourist Police Pattaya and Nong Prue Police Station.
The operation formed part of a broader crackdown ordered by Thai police chief Kittirat Phanphet targeting transnational crime and illegal foreign activities.
Investigators said authorities had monitored the property for some time before launching the raid.
According to police, an undercover female officer disguised as a food delivery rider was used to gain access to the villa. Officers said a Chinese man opened the gate for the delivery but allegedly shouted a warning after recognising police, triggering panic among gamblers upstairs.
All suspects were later transferred to immigration investigators for legal proceedings on illegal gambling charges.
Authorities said procedures were also being initiated to revoke the suspects’ visas and deport them from Thailand.
