Authorities in Pattaya have arrested five Indian nationals who were allegedly working as administrators for an online gambling operation connected to India-based websites. The arrests took place during a raid on a condominium located on Soi Thep Prasit 17 in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, following a tip-off about foreign nationals suspected of illegal online work.
Chon Buri immigration officers entered a second-floor room of the condominium on Wednesday, where they discovered the five men seated at a long table with laptops and smartphones actively in use. Police reported that more than 20 mobile phones were scattered across the table, suggesting that the suspects were managing multiple user accounts or customer inquiries at once.
During the search, officers confiscated three laptops, 22 mobile phones, a tablet, several credit cards and handwritten notebooks. According to police, the notebooks contained records of money transfers totaling several million rupees, equivalent to roughly 2 million baht. These records are believed to be associated with deposits made by users of online gambling platforms based in India.
The men, aged between 24 and 39, were taken into custody for questioning. Police say all five denied involvement in any illegal operations but provided inconsistent explanations about their activities. Investigators noted that the suspects appeared reluctant to share details about the work they were doing inside the condominium.
Pol Col Napasphong Khositsuriyamanee, chief of Chon Buri Immigration, stated that the group ultimately admitted to acting as administrators responsible for responding to customers. However, they declined to explain what services the “customers” were receiving, adding to suspicions that the work was linked to prohibited online gambling services directed at users in India.
Authorities have confirmed that the suspects will face charges related to working without permits or engaging in work outside the scope of what is allowed under Thailand’s Foreigners’ Working Management Decree BE 2560 (2017). This law strictly regulates what types of employment foreign nationals can perform in Thailand and requires proper permits for any kind of work conducted within the country.
Following their arrest, the men were transferred to the Pattaya police for further investigation and legal proceedings. Police say additional charges related to illegal online gambling may be considered if evidence confirms their involvement in running or managing gambling websites.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by Thai authorities to curb illegal online operations, especially those run by foreign nationals using Thailand as a base for activities targeting customers abroad. Police say they continue to monitor suspicious rentals, online activity hubs, and foreign-occupied units in tourist cities like Pattaya, which have become hotspots for digital crime networks.
Investigators are now working to determine whether the five suspects are part of a larger operation and whether more individuals may be involved. The equipment seized during the raid is being examined for digital evidence that could help trace the origins and reach of the gambling network. Authorities say the case underscores the need for vigilance as online gambling operations become more sophisticated and international in scope.
