A special task force raided an illegal gambling den in the middle of a coconut plantation in Ratchaburi, arresting nearly 100 gamblers along with gambling equipment. The den is believed to have been operating for a long time, as vendors were found selling food and drinks there.
At 9:00 p.m. on 8 May 2026, Mr. Watcharachai Sameerak, Ratchaburi Provincial Protection Officer and head of the special administrative task force, along with Ms. Ratsamin Pruksathorn, Photharam district chief, officers from the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) of Ratchaburi, and police from Photharam police station, raided an illegal fan-tan gambling den located in a coconut plantation in Village 7, Ban Sing subdistrict, Photharam district, Ratchaburi province. The raid followed reports that the area had long been used for gambling at night. Previous raids had found no players present.
Upon arrival, authorities found over 100 cars and motorcycles parked at the entrance to the gambling area. When many gamblers saw the officers, they fled in different directions—some jumped into irrigation ditches in the plantation, others ran into the darkness. Ultimately, 83 individuals were apprehended, though some hid in dark corners of the coconut plantation. Officials seized more than 100 fan-tan sticks, chips for exchanging money, dice, numerous scorebooks, and dice cups. Vendors selling food and drinks around the large gambling tables were also found and taken for questioning at the multipurpose building of Photharam district office.
Initial investigations found no one claiming ownership of the gambling den. Authorities charged the suspects with jointly acting as gambling hosts and illegally gambling (fan-tan or po-tan) for stakes, violating the law. The coconut plantation area had been rented for use as a gambling den due to its remote location from the community and having only one entry and exit gate, guarded by someone outside, making it difficult for authorities to enter. It is believed the den had been operating for a long time, as vendors admitted to selling there for an extended period because business was good. The den's distance from the community meant there were no nearby shops.
Ms. Ratsamin Pruksathorn, Photharam district chief, said the raid was in accordance with the policy of the Minister of the Interior and Ms. Thitilak Kampa, Governor of Ratchaburi Province, which requires all areas to be free of gambling dens. The arrest was made possible through cooperation with the Ratchaburi special task force, which planned the operation leading to the capture of 83 gamblers.