Thai Cyber Police Dismantle 700-Million-Baht Gambling Network in Southern Thailand

Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) has carried out a series of coordinated operations across southern provinces, dismantling major online gambling and fraud networks with combined financial activity and damages approaching one billion baht.

Speaking at a press conference held on June 21 at the Royal Phuket City Hotel, Deputy Commissioner Pol. Maj. Gen. Tinnakorn Rangmat said the nationwide operation resulted in the arrest of 14 suspects and the seizure of assets valued at more than 15 million baht.

The investigation focused on three major areas: online investment scams, illegal gambling platforms, and networks involved in illegal firearms and loan shark activities.

Fake investment platform

One of the largest cases involved a fraudulent investment scheme promoted as a legitimate stock trading platform. The scam was advertised through Facebook and LINE groups, where fraudsters falsely claimed connections to the daughter of well-known Thai investor Dr. Niwes Hemvachiravarakorn.

Victims were instructed to transfer money through the fake website apps.cshkl.vip, believing they were investing in stocks. However, once funds were deposited, users were unable to withdraw their money.

Police said the scheme caused direct losses exceeding 7.6 million baht, while investigators linked it to 117 separate cases with total damages estimated at 173 million baht.

Authorities searched five locations, obtained arrest warrants for nine suspects, and have so far detained two individuals. Six additional suspects remain at large.

Online gambling crackdown

Cyber police also dismantled three major online gambling operations with combined financial transactions exceeding 700 million baht.

Raids conducted across three southern provinces led to the arrest of seven suspects. Officers seized cash, luxury vehicles, gold, computers, mobile phones, and gambling-related equipment.

Among the targeted gambling platforms were PARTY168, UFAZEED, and MT8WIN SITE, which investigators said processed more than 500 million baht in betting transactions.

Officials noted that the operation forms part of a broader campaign to suppress illegal betting activities ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Illegal firearms and loan shark operations

Separate investigations resulted in the arrest of three suspects linked to illegal firearms possession and underground lending activities.

Police confiscated 10 firearms and approximately 100 rounds of ammunition. Investigators also examined online advertisements and social media accounts suspected of promoting illegal weapons sales and loan shark services.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Tinnakorn said cyber investigators will continue targeting criminal networks by disrupting their financial operations and identifying everyone involved in illegal activities.

He also urged the public to verify investment opportunities carefully before transferring money online, warning that fraudulent schemes continue to become increasingly sophisticated.