Thai Police Dismantle Major Online Gambling Ring, “WM Casino”
Table of Contents
- 1. Thai Police Dismantle Major Online Gambling Ring, “WM Casino”
- 2. Details of the Raid and Arrests
- 3. “WM Casino” Operations and Financial Structure
- 4. The Role of Celebrities and the Entertainment Industry
- 5. Implications and Future Actions
- 6. What is the alleged role of Mr. Isara and Mr. Phairat in the “WM Casino” operation?
- 7. Exclusively Unveiled: A Chat wiht Col. Suwatchai Srithongsuk on the “WM Casino” Bust
- 8. Raid and Arrests: An Inside Outlook
- 9. Unraveling “WM casino”: A Web of Deception
- 10. Celebrity Endorsement: A New Face of Illicit Gains
- 11. Looking Ahead: A Safer Digital Landscape
BANGKOK, Thailand – February 27, 2025 – Thai cyber police have announced teh takedown of a large-scale online gambling operation, known as “WM Casino,” which circulated over ฿100 million (approximately $2.8 million USD) per month. The operation involved celebrities and well-known influencers, and resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of millions in assets.
Details of the Raid and Arrests
The police operation, conducted on February 27, 2025, targeted two locations in Bangkok: a condo in Don Mueang District and a luxury village in Bang Khen District. Authorities seized assets including luxury cars (Benz and other brands), 46 bank books, cash cards, mobile phones, a notebook, brand-name bags, SIM cards, and company registration documents, totaling over ฿10.5 million (approximately $295,000 USD).
Key individuals arrested include Mr. Isara, 37, and Mr. Phairat, 38, who were allegedly responsible for registering the company, managing cash withdrawals, and other financial transactions. According to initial findings, suspects face charges of “Jointly organize online gambling without permission and jointly conspiracy by agreeing to two or more people to commit money laundering and have committed money laundering because of the reasoning. And jointly launches money.”
“WM Casino” Operations and Financial Structure
“WM Casino” offered a range of online gambling services, including foreign football betting, lottery, and baccarat. The operation utilized a domestic bank accounting system for online money transfers and direct withdrawals via the website. To conceal financial routes, the association allegedly used “horse accounts” in the form of a juristic person, making it difficult for authorities to trace the flow of funds.
Col. Suwatchai Srithongsuk, Director of the royal Thai Army 1, assembled an investigative team to trace the involvement of individuals within the network. This examination led to arrest warrants for over 10 people involved in the gambling website and financial administration.
The Role of Celebrities and the Entertainment Industry
The investigation revealed a connection to the entertainment industry. Mr. Amon, allegedly responsible for managing the company and cash withdrawals, was identified as a former actor.He allegedly facilitated cash withdrawals and passed the funds to Mr. Pairat. Data indicates that Mr. Amon withdrew between ฿1-3 million, 2-4 times per week. He received a compensation of ฿15,000 per month.
Mr.Isara allegedly withdrew money from three different companies, amounting to ฿1.5-2 million per transaction, at least four days a week, totaling over ฿80 million within four months. Similar to Mr. Amon he received a compensation of ฿15,000 per month.
Implications and Future Actions
This bust underscores the Royal Thai Police’s commitment to combating online crime, particularly online gambling. As Pol.Lt.Gen. Triarong stated, the operation was conducted “according to the policy of Maj. Gen.Kit Ratthaphanphet, the Commander in Chief of the Royal Thai Police, ordered the NESDB to accelerate the investigation and arrest the offender regarding online crime. Especially the online gambling suppression And all forms of online gambling Which is a drunken people and youth.” The crackdown on “WM Casino” sends a strong message to other potential online gambling operators and highlights the government’s commitment to fighting illegal online activities.
Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date on cybercrime trends and preventative measures. Educate yourself about the risks of online gambling and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
What is the alleged role of Mr. Isara and Mr. Phairat in the “WM Casino” operation?