PHUKET –
Police arrested the alleged owner of a prominent online gambling site, “UFA Red,” along with two administrators, uncovering a network with an estimated monthly cash flow of 50–60 million baht.
Police Major General Pornchai Khajornklin Deputy Commissioner of Region 8 told the Phuket Express that on October 30th, 2025, they led the operation alongside senior officers from the Region 8 Investigation Division, Phuket Provincial Police, and Wichit Police Station. The raid took place at a two-story residence and adjacent car tent on Chao Fa East Road in the Wichit subdistrict. The premises housed several luxury vehicles, including an Audi, a Mercedes-Benz, and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
The coordinated search resulted in the arrest of three individuals, including the website’s owner who was found inside the residence. Officers seized over 1.6 million baht in cash, multiple computers, mobile phones, and high-end vehicles believed to be linked to the operation.
“This operation is part of a broader crackdown on cybercrime across Region 8,” said Maj. Gen. Pornchai. “We’ve already arrested over 70 suspects involved in online scams, call centers, and illegal gambling platforms.”
The raid was one of six simultaneous searches conducted across Phuket. According to Police Major General Lertchai Champathong, Commander of the Region 8 Investigation Division, the operation stemmed from intelligence gathered under a national directive to suppress cybercrime. The Royal Thai Police had ordered intensified enforcement between October 27 and November 3.
Investigators had been monitoring “UFA Red” for some time, confirming its role in facilitating online betting. The suspects arrested at the main site were found with digital equipment and vehicles registered in their names, now subject to forensic examination.
Additional arrests were made at five other locations, where two more individuals—allegedly responsible for administrative and financial tasks—were taken into custody. Authorities believe the network may extend beyond “UFA Red,” with at least two other gambling platforms under investigation.
Police also revealed that the Region 8 task force has recently intercepted illegal online firearms sales, further underscoring the scope of cybercrime in southern Thailand.
The suspects are currently being held for further questioning at Phuket Provincial Police headquarters, as officers continue to expand the investigation into the broader network.
