On January 22, 2025, the Thai Cyber Police in the Technical Crime Investigation Bureau (SOT) of Nakhon Nayok Province announced the successful dismantling of the large online gambling site "PG Slot 99".
According to Major General Trirong Phiewphan, Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, this operation was conducted in accordance with the government's policy to combat online gambling.
The investigation revealed that the site offered various online gambling services including slot machines, football betting, fishing games, and baccarat, and completed fund transfers automatically through local bank account systems.
It was initially determined that the site had an annual financial turnover exceeding 500 million Thai Baht, disguised as Thip Company for money laundering purposes, although the company did not conduct any actual business.
The police collected sufficient evidence and issued arrest warrants for 15 individuals involved, including website administrators, account managers, financial managers, and the legal entity Thip Company.
On January 22, police conducted searches at two residences in the Wang Thonglang district of Bangkok, successfully arresting 30-year-old Natthaphon Nuansiri and 32-year-old Mesa Bamrungkit.
The two suspects acted as cashiers, withdrawing large sums of cash from banks daily and depositing it into other accounts to conceal the flow of funds. During the operation, the police seized 939,000 Thai Baht in cash, a gold necklace, two gold bars worth approximately 90,000 Thai Baht, 15 bank accounts, 31 ATM cards, two mobile phones, a computer, and a tablet.
In the investigation, Natthaphon confessed that he withdrew 1-2 million Thai Baht in cash from the bank daily as instructed, then deposited it into designated accounts, and received a monthly salary of 50,000 Thai Baht.
The police stated that the gambling site used a "nominee account" financial channel, which was intricately designed and involved in fraud and money laundering, posing a serious threat to society.
Based on the evidence, the police have brought multiple charges against the suspects, including organizing gambling, soliciting others to participate in gambling through electronic media, conducting unauthorized gambling activities, and conspiring to commit money laundering.
The police also stated that they would intensify efforts to apprehend other fugitive suspects, trace illegal financial flows, and confiscate criminal proceeds. This operation once again demonstrates the Thai police's high commitment and determination to combat online gambling crimes.
