Cheering Behind an Unlocked Door Leads Pattaya Police to Nine-Woman Pok Deng Game
The women claimed it was the first time they had arranged to play together
Nine women were arrested in Jomtien on 15 October after Pattaya City Police moved on an alleged Pok Deng game inside a condominium unit, where officers say they were led in part by the sound of cheering from behind the door.
Pok Deng is a Thai game where players bet against the dealer.
The room had been left unlocked, allowing police to enter without forcing their way in. Officers seized more than 12,500 baht ($374) in cash and three decks of cards, according to the reports from local outlets.
One 58-year-old woman, identified only as Jor, was accused of acting as a dealer, while the others were charged with taking part in illegal gambling.
A Tip-Off, Then an Unlocked Door
Police said the case began with an anonymous complaint and a surveillance operation at the condominium. The raid formed part of a wider crime-prevention campaign in Chon Buri province, and officers reportedly confirmed that several women were gathered inside to play cards before making the arrests.
During questioning, the suspects allegedly said it was “the first time” they had arranged to play together and claimed their stakes were “no more than 100 baht per hand”. Police also said the women asked whether investigators had used a GPS tracker to follow them, before they were taken into custody.
The women also allegedly attempted to offer bribes to the officers during their arrests.
A Familiar Enforcement Pattern in Pattaya
Following the Jomtien raid, all nine women were taken to Pattaya City Police Station, where investigators are expected to pursue the case under Thailand’s gambling laws.
Last year, Thailand’s new Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reinstated a nationwide poker ban. According to the new order, poker will continue to be classified as a form of gambling.
