KO PHA-NGAN, THAILAND – Tourist police on the island raided an alleged illegal poker club in a rented villa, arresting ten foreign men during a night-time operation.
Suspicion Raised by Parked Motorbikes
Officers said numerous motorbikes parked in front of a villa named “Golden Moon” had aroused suspicion. The house appeared unusual for the late hour, prompting the tourist police to investigate more closely. They first observed the scene through a gap in the curtains and recorded video as evidence.
International Group Caught at the Table
Police then moved in and found what they described as an international poker table. Inside were six Russians, one Romanian, one Israeli, one German and one Briton playing together. The men were taken by surprise while seated around the table.
Casino-Style Setup and Cash Seized
According to the report, the room resembled a professional gambling salon rather than a private game among friends. A long table covered with green felt held playing cards, poker chips and an automatic card shuffler. The alleged organiser, 36‑year‑old Russian Anton Kozko, was carrying a waist bag containing about 134,000 Baht (around 3,350 euros) in cash.
Organiser Admits Renting Villa for Gambling
During questioning, Kozko told investigators he had rented the villa for 30,000 Baht (about 750 euros) per month specifically for the games and had invited his foreign associates to play there.
“He admitted to having organised the gambling in order to make money from it.”
said Police Lieutenant Colonel Winit Boonchit, head of Tourist Police Division 5. All ten detainees were charged with illegal commercial gambling, while Kozko faced an additional charge of organising gambling.
Legal Consequences and Damage to Island’s Image
The ten men were transferred to the Ko Pha-ngan police station for further legal proceedings. Authorities noted that the incident added to ongoing concerns about the island’s reputation, which has already been affected by illegal hostels and drug-related issues. Officials stressed that unlawful activities by foreigners would not be tolerated, even on holiday islands.
Warning to Tourists About Gambling in Thailand
The case served as a strong warning to visitors, police said. Gambling outside licensed casinos – which do not exist in Thailand – was strictly prohibited under national law. Even private poker games involving money could be classified as illegal and result in arrest, fines and possible deportation, as Ko Pha-ngan came under closer scrutiny from law enforcement.