Chiang Mai authorities raid large illegal gambling dens

Authorities in Chiang Mai have launched a major crackdown on illegal gambling, known as Operation ‘Prab Sian Nakhon Phing’. On September 18, 2026, Deputy Minister of Interior Phonpee Suwannachavee and special units from the Department of Provincial Administration raided two large-scale, permanent gambling dens in the Chang Phueak and Mueang Chiang Mai districts.

The raids targeted the ‘Phattharawan’ den in the Santitham area and the ‘Sri Ping Mueang’ den in the Hai Ya area. These establishments operated 24 hours a day with organized shifts, security guards, and sophisticated financial systems, including QR code payments for chips. Investigators found evidence that these operations had been running for at least two years. More than 100 individuals were detained, including gamblers and organizers, with cash and chips totaling over 2 million baht seized.

In response to the scale of the operation, the Chiang Mai Provincial Police have ordered the Superintendent of the Chang Phueak Police Station to report to the provincial operations center pending an investigation into potential negligence. Simultaneously, the Department of Provincial Administration has summoned local district officials to clarify their oversight of the area. Authorities have stated they will take strict legal and disciplinary action if any officials are found to be involved or negligent in their duties.