Four held for illegal card game amid Thailand’s gambling law debate
Four Thai nationals have been arrested in Patong for allegedly running an illegal gambling operation involving a banned card game known as Kang cards, Patong Police confirmed.
The suspects—a 36-year-old man and three women aged 35, 34, and 32—were detained during a police raid on a shop in Soi Kebsup, near the southern end of Patong. The raid followed a police investigation into reports of a hidden gambling network.
Patong Police said they had been keeping an eye on the place before the raid. The shop had been changed to stay hidden, with people watching out and a quiet way in to keep the gambling secret from the public.
The suspects were caught in the act of playing Kang cards, a traditional Thai game often associated with unlicensed gambling. This game is illegal in Thailand, especially when played for money or property.
Charges filed, case ongoing
Police have charged all four individuals with “colluding to gamble” and “gambling for property without permission”, both of which are offences under Thailand’s strict anti-gambling laws.
Evidence collected at the scene—including decks of cards, gambling chips, and cash—was taken to Patong Police Station along with the suspects for further legal action. The case remains under investigation.
Officials said they are serious about stopping illegal gambling, especially in popular tourist places like Phuket, as it can hurt the area’s reputation. They also asked people to report any gambling they think is happening illegally.
Gambling in Thailand
Several such incidents come to light as Thailand moves closer to a major change in its gambling laws and pushes forward a bill to legalise 바카라s within large entertainment complexes, aiming to boost tourism and create jobs. These proposed “entertainment complexes” would combine hotels, concert venues, water parks, and 바카라s, with each requiring a minimum investment of 100 billion baht.
Under the current draft, Thai citizens would face strict entry conditions, including a 5,000 baht fee and proof of assets worth at least 50 million baht—though these terms may be revised. The bill, approved by the Cabinet in March, is expected to be tabled in the National Assembly on 9 July 2025 and must pass two more readings before becoming law. The first complexes are planned for Bangkok, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, and Phuket—areas already known for tourism. While the initiative has gained international interest, it also raises concerns about local gambling access and social impacts.
Amid this, a senior monk was recently disrobed and charged after police linked him to an online gambling network. Authorities allege that Phra Dhammawachiranuwat, former abbot of Wat Rai Khing, embezzled 300 million baht from temple funds to support illegal gambling.
Such developments highlight the growing urgency for Thailand to establish clear regulations and tighter control over gambling activities as the country prepares for a legalised and more structured gaming sector.
