Locals stymie police attempt to raid casino
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More than 200 commandos yesterday afternoon stormed Bon Taopoon, an especially notorious illegal casino, but were thwarted by a hail of bottles and glasses thrown by residents of Bang Sue district.
“Although we couldn’t arrest any gamblers this time, we believe we have sent our message across that we are seriously cracking down on gambling,” said Maj-General Suthee Nenkantee, commander of Metropolitan Police Division 2.
Some locals even sprayed fire extinguishers, so many police climbed onto the roof to reach the target. During the operation, two fell down and suffered minor injuries.
Because of the obstruction, it took more than 45 minutes to reach the real gambling den – a building on Trok Khao San Road.
By the time the police got inside, the main hall just had seven baccarat tables and various kinds of gambling paraphernalia.
It was still cool inside with the air-conditioners running but no punter was in sight.
Police suspect the locals helped about 100 gamblers escape.
Suthee said his team planned the raid after receiving tips-off that Bon Taopoon had reopened despite a freeze on it by law enforcement authorities.
Seehanart Prayoonrat, secretary-general of the Anti-Money Laundering Office, said that although his office had recommended for public prosecutors to move to confiscate the building that was used for Bon Taopoon, it could not force the closure of the building.
“For now, we can only prevent any transaction related to the building. It can’t be sold or transferred. However, the building owner can still use the property until the court orders its expropriation,” he said.
