80 Indian Gamblers Arrested in Thailand: Notorious Kingpin Chikoti Praveen Captured

09:22
16 Jun

In yet another crackdown on illegal gambling in the country, the Royal Thai police has arrested 80 Indian tourists, including the notorious gambling kingpin Chikoti Praveen, during a raid at the Asia Pattaya Hotel. The operation took place in the early hours of Monday, May 1, and targeted a makeshift casino set up by Praveen in the hotel's convention center.

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Notorious Figure

Chikoti Praveen, a notorious figure in India because of his involvement in casinos and other gambling, had flown in gamblers from the southern Indian city of Hyderabad to gamble at his illegal casino operations in Thailand. The makeshift casino had reportedly raked in more than $12 million before the police raid.

Praveen is well-known for organising gambling ventures around the world, including Big Daddy in Goa, India, and casinos in Nepal. His arrest in Thailand is the latest blow to the illegal gambling industry in the region.

Thai police chief Pol Maj-Gen Kampol Leelaprahphporn led the operation, which resulted in the seizure of three computers and thousands of Indian rupees. The police chief emphasised the importance of cracking down on illegal gambling activities, which often lead to other criminal activities and social issues.

The arrest of Chikoti Praveen and the 80 Indian tourists highlights the ongoing efforts by Thai authorities to combat illegal gambling operations within the country. Thailand has strict gambling laws, with most forms of gambling being illegal, including casinos. The only legal forms of gambling in the country are the government-sponsored Thai lottery and horse racing in Bangkok.

Illegal gambling operations, such as the one organised by Praveen, often attract tourists and locals alike, leading to a thriving underground gambling industry. The authorities say they remain committed to cracking down on such operations and ensuring that the country's strict gambling laws are enforced.

As the investigation into the illegal casino operation continues, it remains to be seen what further actions will be taken against Chikoti Praveen and the other arrested individuals.