Phuket –
Police in Phuket have dismantled an illegal gambling operation run by foreign nationals, arresting seven Russian nationals, one Ukrainian, and one Kazakhstani during a raid on a luxury villa in Rawai.
The Chalong Police told the Phuket Express that the investigation began after officers from Chalong Police Station discovered advertisements on Instagram promoting poker games through an account named Poker Level.
The posts, written in Russian, invited foreigners to join high-stakes poker sessions. Interested players were directed to contact organizers via WhatsApp, where they were required to pay a registration fee of 20,000 baht per game. Transactions were conducted using both cryptocurrency and Thai cash.
Authorities learned that the games were being hosted inside a private villa, with participation restricted to foreign nationals. On February 11th, police surveillance confirmed gambling activities were underway.
Officers then moved in, arresting nine individuals: seven Russian nationals, one Ukrainian, and one Kazakhstani.
Seized evidence included cash, poker tables, playing cards, chips, and multiple digital devices such as mobile phones and computers. These items will undergo forensic examination to trace electronic communications and financial transactions linked to the operation.
The suspects face charges under Thailand’s Gambling Act for organizing and participating in unauthorized gambling. Police stated that the crackdown reflects ongoing efforts to protect public order and maintain Phuket’s reputation as a safe international tourism destination. Thailand has some of the strictest anti gambling laws in the world.
