Surat Thani –
Over the past weekend officers from the Bo Phut Police Station, along with Surat Thani Immigration officials, successfully carried out a raid on an illegal gambling operation in Koh Samui. The group was found playing poker in a rented building opposite the Khao Phra Hill, located in Bo Phut. The raid followed thorough investigations into the activities of a Facebook page named “Immoreal House Samui,” which was reportedly used to organize the gambling events.
Authorities arrested five individuals—four foreign nationals and one Thai citizen—and seized a large amount of gambling equipment. The arrested foreign nationals were identified only as Mr. Aleksandr (Russian), Mr. Ruslan (Ukrainian), Mr. Stanley (French), and Mr. Dmitrii (Russian). The Thai suspect, Mr. Muhamad, confessed to managing the Facebook page and overseeing the venue where the gambling sessions were held.
During the operation, authorities confiscated various items, including two mobile poker tables, 20 decks of playing cards, chips used as currency, a sand timer, CCTV equipment, and other materials totaling 29 items.
Interrogations revealed that Mr. Muhamad had been organizing these poker games for approximately five months, hosting events up to four times a month. Initially, the illegal gambling took place in another location within Bo Phut , before being moved to the current venue. He admitted to being hired by another Thai individual, Mr. Fuse, who paid him a monthly fee of 10,000 baht to manage the events. The venue was rented by Mr. Fuse specifically for these purposes.
The foreign suspects confessed to participating in the illegal gambling activities, leading authorities to file charges against them for “engaging in unauthorized gambling involving poker for valuables.” Mr. Muhamad faced additional charges for “organizing and hosting illegal gambling activities for valuables.” All five suspects were taken to the Bo Phut Police Station for further questioning. Mr. Fuse is also being sought by police for questioning.
The investigation was aided by foreign informants who infiltrated the gambling group, confirming the location and activities before the raid took place. The suspects were reportedly unperturbed by legal consequences, even claiming connections to high-ranking law enforcement officers. The suspects were taken to the Koh Samui Provincial Court for further legal proceedings.
