Startled Gamblers Scramble From Sattahip Cops

November 15, 2012

Sattahip police raided a cabin in a banana jungle to bust a group of gamblers, after neighbors complained about the noise. The startled gamblers scattered like cockroaches, including a 67-year-old woman who jumped in the water to escape.

SATTAHIP – November 14, 2012 [PDN]: at 7 a.m., a police raid on a group of gamblers was led by the Sheriff of Sattahip, Mr. Phawat Lertmukda; along with Pol. Col. Chanapat Nawalak, the director of Sattahip police station; a unit of 10 officers from the National Command Center of Drugs, NCCD special operations; and the detective team of Sattahip police station.

The officers set out to destroy a gambling hub of blackjack players in a banana jungle in soi municipality 22, Sirisa village 5, moo 10, Bangsare, Sattahip.

The gambling arena was a cabin made of wood with a nipa palm roof. It was located on the rim of the bank of a fish pond, 30 meters from the main road. The sheriff and police forces burst in on the female and male gamblers, including old people and pregnant women.

The gamblers were focused and determined with their gambling games, without awareness of anything else. But when surprised by the police, the frightened gamblers scattered in many directions. Mrs. Pikiul Seepen, age 67, jumped into the water and escaped. Mrs. Mimi, age 31, a Burmese laborer, got frightened and peed in her pants.

Other arrested lawbreakers included Ms. Fon Seetam, age 27; Mr. Somyos Jindawong, age 50; Mr. Sunet Taekratoke, age 44; Mrs. Jeerawan Udomlarp, age 50; Ms. Yaowalak Kaowian, age 42; Ms. Muttana Namsang, age 33, who is pregnant; and Ms. Ubonwarn Namsang, age 28.

Sheriff Lertmukda said the arrests occurred because of many complaints by nearby residents. They said a lot of gamblers were gathering in the cabin to play blackjack and made a lot of noise. So the sheriff coordinated with police officers to arrest the gamblers and seize all the evidence. They will be charged with gambling together secretly, he said.