Crime Suppression Division (CSD) police smashed the gambling websites of a network called Fat Fast in 10 provinces on September 22, 2022, arresting 30 suspects and seizing about 400 assets worth about 460 million baht1. The operation was disclosed by CSD commander Pol Maj Gen Montree Thetkhan, who said it was followed by a larger raid on Monday November 14, 2022, codenamed "Hanuman vs online casino mafia", against gambling websites based in 14 provinces1.
The November operation involved about 350 police and targeted 63 premises in Khon Kaen, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phitsanulok, Maha Sarakham, Saraburi, Sa Kaeo, Sakon Nakhon, Phuket, Nonthaburi, Rayong, Samut Prakan, Ratchaburi and Buri Ram1. Khon Kaen was the network's command center1. Pol Maj Gen Montree said the CSD had court warrants for the arrest of 23 key suspects and to search about 60 targets nationwide, and that the operation was intended to shut down about 500 online gambling websites controlled by Fat Fast1.
In Khon Kaen, police searched three targets:
| Location | Warrant or arrest | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| A duplex in Chonlada Housing Estate | Criminal Court warrant for Suwat Thanasarnwiwat, alias Sia Ko, 41 | He was not there; his elder sister and brother-in-law were present, and police impounded valuables including about 100 Bearbrick figurines1 |
| A house in Papirom Housing Estate | Arrest of Sumalee Lertkijpaisal, 45, Mr Suwat's mother-in-law, on charges of illegally operating online gambling websites and money laundering | Police impounded a safe containing amulets, car registration books, a pistol and other valuables1 |
| A house with a large swimming pool | Warrant for Praput Latthisungnoen, 47, alias Sia Nook, on the same charges | He was not there, and police found extension rooms on the ground and upper floors used for bitcoin mining1 |
Pol Maj Gen Montree said the September crackdown led police to learn that Fat Fast was part of a larger gambling network operating through the country1. Fat Fast had been in operation for over 10 years, with Mr Praput and Mr Suwat allegedly being major investors1. The network operated like a business, divided into departments such as marketing, administration, accounting and finance, and ran on a franchise model with 109 franchise holders and about 2,000 people employed1. Suspects arrested in the network said 7-10 million baht was transferred to the investors on a daily basis1.
"The operation was intended to shut down about 500 online gambling websites controlled by Fat Fast, Pol Maj Gen Montree said."
What it means for players
Thailand does not license online gambling, and the sites named in the Fat Fast case were run by an unlicensed domestic network rather than an offshore operator1. The case shows that Thai police treat the operation of such sites as a criminal matter carrying charges of illegally operating online gambling websites and money laundering, and that arrests have extended to family members of alleged investors1. For players, the practical exposure described in the reporting is indirect: the network's websites were the target of a shutdown effort covering about 500 sites, and the reporting does not say what happened to money held in player accounts or to balances on those sites1. No information has been reported on whether any players, as opposed to operators and staff, were arrested or charged in either the September or November operations1. General background on enforcement against players in the region is set out in Have Players Been Arrested for Online Gambling in Asia? Cases by Jurisdiction, and the wider pattern of raids on offshore hubs is covered in Crackdowns on Offshore Online Gambling Hubs in Asia. The legal position in the country is summarized in Can I Gamble in Thailand?.
What happens next
The CSD held court warrants for the arrest of 23 key suspects and to search about 60 targets throughout the country as of November 14, 20221. Mr Suwat and Mr Praput were not at the premises searched that day1. No further court dates, trial schedule or additional arrests have been reported1.
Sources1 sources
- Bangkok Post - 500 online gambling websites targeted by CSD raids, bangkokpost.com
