Kanchanaburi — The Governor of Kanchanaburi ordered local police to join forces with the Crime Suppression Division to raid a “floating gambling den” operating on a raft in the middle of the Khwae Yai River, arresting 44 gamblers and one organizer. The den was found to be a “mobile casino” following orders from the provincial police chief to strictly ban and suppress gambling dens.
Following complaints from tourists to Ms. Warittha Sanguansermsri, Governor of Kanchanaburi, and Pol. Maj. Gen. Phasavee Ruangphu, Commander of Kanchanaburi Provincial Police, alleging that “Mr. Auan,” the owner of a gambling den, was secretly operating a floating casino on a raft with many gamblers, at 16:00 on 12 Jun 2026, Governor Warittha and Pol. Maj. Gen. Phasavee instructed Mr. Somboon Phansomboon, Mayor of Mueang Kanchanaburi District, to coordinate with Pol. Col. Chairat Buakhom, Superintendent of Mueang Kanchanaburi Police Station, to join forces with the Crime Suppression Division, the Anti-Human Trafficking Division, Mueang Kanchanaburi Police, and local administrative officials to raid and arrest gamblers playing Dragon Tiger card games on a raft in the middle of the Khwae Yai River in Moo 2, Nong Bua Subdistrict, Mueang District, Kanchanaburi.
During the raid, authorities arrested a total of 45 individuals: 44 gamblers and one organizer. They also confiscated gambling-related evidence for prosecution.
Initial investigation revealed that the floating raft was a movable platform drifting along the Khwae Yai River. At the time of the raid, the raft had been towed from Tha Makham Subdistrict to Nong Bua Subdistrict before being surrounded and raided by authorities.
Authorities are continuing to investigate further details, including the routes used for this illegal gambling operation, and will provide updates on legal proceedings and related information in due course.
Reports indicate that the organizer has repeatedly attempted to operate illegal gambling dens. However, due to strict orders from both the Governor and the provincial police chief banning such activities and enforcing harsh crackdowns, the organizer resorted to moving the gambling venues frequently, notifying gamblers of changing locations to evade capture. This ‘mobile casino’ strategy involved rotating sites, culminating in the latest gathering on a floating raft originally intended as a tourist service at a well-known resort.
Therefore, the Governor of Kanchanaburi has ordered the arresting team to extend their investigation to the den owner and the resort owner to determine whether they were complicit or aware of the gambling operations.