Latest raid a clear warning for corrupt police officers

This is the first time that the den, which is protected by two padlocked exits and three metal-and-concrete doors, in Bangkok’s Tao Poon area was raided.
It was reported that the police team was only able to break down the exit near the Prachuap Market, and that took two hours to bring down three doors to get to the den’s lobby.
This raid is expected to have some metropolitan police officers transferred in a reshuffle to be announced at the end of the year.
On September 12, then Metropolitan Police Chief Lt-General Chakthip Chaijinda had initially transferred Phya Thai superintendent Colonel Saman Rodkamnerd, Tao Poon superintendent Colonel Weera Jiraweera and Bang Yikhan superintendent Colonel Adisak Khunaphan to investigate the alleged operation of gambling dens in their jurisdiction. However, they were reinstated after the probe did not find them guilty.
The authorities believe that several gambling dens are being operated by senior police officers or politicians in Bangkok, and that they continue being run because they get advance warnings about planned police raids. Police have been targeting the following dens:
Chokchai 4 Den: Believed to have been opened on June 16 this year by “Ko Luck” and former Rama 9 den owner “Jeh Hung”. Ko Luck allegedly ran a massage parlour before opening a casino-like gambling den.
Tao Poon Den: Located amid the slums in Bang Sue district, this was reportedly the country’s largest den with the largest sums of money being circulated. Reportedly backed by several influential figures, the den had a strict policy of checking every patron with a metal detector, examining their membership card and confiscating their cell-phones before allowing them entry.
Loyfa Den: Run from a condominium on Boromarajajonani Road, this den was owned by former police officer “Sergeant Manas” and would often be warned in advance of police raid.
Bang Na Den: Operated for more than two decades on Sukhumvit Soi 101/1, the den – allegedly owned by a local politician – requires close checks before patrons are ushered in through a multi-door entrance.
Sia Thor Den: Located in Soi Rongsi on Rama III Road, which comes under the jurisdiction of the Thung Mahamek police station, this den on the banks of the Chao Phraya River allegedly used human shields against police raids. The den was temporarily shut down as the owner, known as “Sia Thor”, joined others to open a new den in the Ratchadapisek area.
Tee Phot Den: It initially operated in Soi Ekkamai 30 by renting gambling tables for Bt70,000 each before relocating to Rama III area. Its owner is said to have close ties with a politician in Bang Bon and it is believed that the money circulated in the establishment came from Hong Kong, China and Macau. The den is currently closed pending a “clear-coast” signal.
Yaowarat’s Tee Yai and Pan Thong dens: Operated for seven years, the dens have relocated from abandoned buildings in Soi Prachasongkhro 16 to the Yaowarat area.
Jeh Ngor Den: This decade-old den, located near Soi Charoenkrung 46 under the jurisdiction of Yannawa police station, only takes in regular members.
Otto Den: Operated for three years in Soi Patthanakan 30, this den also held monthly lucky draws offering expensive prizes such as Honda CR-V sedans. It has been shut down temporarily.
Pratunam Den: This den, located inside an old theatre under the jurisdiction of the Phya Thai police station, was closed after a crackdown led by then-national police chief General Seripisut Temiyavej.