Chuwit : PM should ask family about gambling den
An illegal gambling den located off Soi Phetchaburi 5 in central Bangkok has been operated by a relative of "an important person based in Dubai", Rak Thailand Party leader Chuwit Kamolvisit alleged yesterday.
He also called on Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, as a sister of former premier Thaksin, to ask her relatives whether any of them knew of the den, known widely among gamblers in Bangkok as Je Pheo’s den, which had been operating for more than 20 years.
Chuvit said he would lodge this issue as an agenda item in any future no-confidence debate against the Yingluck government. He also called on Bangkok police chief Pol Maj-General Khamronwit Thoopkrajang to inspect the area around Soi Phetchaburi 5 to locate the den, but said he would not be surprised if Khamronwit or area police said later that they had not found it.
“Gambling dens are a major source of income of policemen. Everyone knows it,” he added.
The flamboyant MP also named other dens in Bangkok: Otto Den, Phatthanakan 77 Den and King Phet Den, whose operation he said was recorded on Monday night in a video clip.
In an exclusive story on Je Pheo’s den in Kom Chad Luek daily newspaper, it was reported that clients who drive to the den use a valet service to park their cars in the next alley, Soi 7. Those who park on Phetchaburi Road would have their vehicles marked with yellow stickers, to let police know not to issue parking tickets for them. There is one entry to the den, a door located near a spirit house, with clients required to leave their mobile phones and purses or wallets.
“Those passing through this gate can carry only cash, at a minimum Bt10,000,” said the Thai-language daily, quoting a former client as an unnamed source. Newcomers must be accompanied by regulars who are familiar with the guards. Clients walk through metal detectors, before going upstairs to enter a large room, where there are nine card tables, a VIP room for baccarat games, another space of 10 baccarat tables and a number of traditional gambling games.
Card or game tables are run by individual operators, who pay daily fees and commissions to the den owners, the source added.
