A coordinated police operation in Thailand’s Pattaya resort city has resulted in the arrest of 16 Chinese nationals suspected of operating an illegal high-stakes poker den. Several suspects sustained serious injuries after jumping from a second-floor window during the raid.

Undercover Operation Confirms Illegal Gambling

Chonburi Immigration Police and Tourist Police units moved on a residential property in Nong Prue Subdistrict following a public tip-off about suspected illegal gambling activity. Before launching the raid, officers deployed an undercover agent posing as a food delivery courier to verify the information, according to Thai PBS reports.

Once inside, police discovered the property had been converted into what authorities describe as a “VIP gambling den” catering to high-spending Chinese poker players. Multiple rooms came equipped with poker tables and professional-grade gambling equipment. This wasn’t some casual betting setup. What they found was a well-organised operation.

Dramatic Scene as Suspects Flee

When police moved in, panic erupted. At least three suspects attempted to escape by jumping from second-floor windows, landing hard on tiled ground below. All three sustained injuries. Rescue workers provided immediate first aid before transporting them to a nearby hospital. Police released video footage showing one suspect being carried to an ambulance on a stretcher, seemingly unable to move independently.

The videos also captured the arrested individuals sitting on the floor as officers read them their rights. A stark scene, really, that underscores just how big this operation was.

Evidence and Charges

Authorities seized approximately 100,000 baht (around 3,000 USD) in cash during the search. They also recovered gambling chips, scorecards, and other gaming equipment. All 16 suspects, comprising 13 men and three women, have been charged with illegal gambling offences. Police are now examining their travel documents to determine whether any entered Thailand illegally or overstayed their visas.

The raid reflects ongoing enforcement efforts against underground gambling networks operating across Southeast Asia. Earlier this year, Thai authorities extradited a Chinese national suspected of operating an illegal football betting portal that allegedly facilitated a 73 million dollar pyramid-scheme scam targeting mainland Chinese victims. That suspect is now facing trial in Tianjin Province.