In a dramatic turn of events, the digital landscape of Thailand’s gambling scene took a hit as cyber police unraveled a complex web of illegal activities. On June 16, 2025, the Technology Crime Suppression Division headquarters in Mueang Thong Thani was the stage for an announcement that shook the underworld of online gambling. Police Lieutenant General Trirong Piewpan and Police Major General Wiwat Kumchanan stood before flashing cameras to declare the arrest of two integral cogs in the notorious FAST24h gambling syndicate.
The story began back in March when the authorities cracked down on the clandestine Finver88 gambling network. As the dust settled, another shadowy operation emerged—FAST24h—a cunning sprout from Finver88’s brief downfall. As whispers of suspicious activity filled the air, the cyber police dialed up their scrutiny and orchestrated a sting that would make Hollywood thrillers proud.
What started with ink drying on a search warrant from the Pattaya Provincial Court, ended in busting down doors on the fourth floor of an unassuming building nestled in a Chon Buri district. Inside, the command center of an underground empire lay exposed, with devices still warm from orchestrating online games of chance. Leading the charge on this digital casino was a 22-year-old mastermind named Chanachai. With computers, mobile phones, a string of bank passbooks, and ATM cards snatched from the scene, the evidence was undeniable.
But the surprises didn’t end there—Chanachai had another surprise up his sleeve: a semi-automatic homemade gun and 51 rounds of .380 caliber ammunition. A DIY arsenal for one who fancied himself untouchable, yet he confessed, without coercion, to his role comprising customer management, finances, far-reaching marketing strategies, and even dabbling in graphic design. For his varied talents, he was handsomely rewarded with a monthly income between 20,000 and 40,000 baht (US$615 to 1,230)—a king’s ransom in the world of shadowy online enterprises. However, his decision to purchase his firearm for 30,000 baht (US$920) through his Facebook connections would now haunt him.
Working alongside Chanachai was 24-year-old Siwakorn, a fellow adventurer in digital mischief. He carved his niche as an administrator and marketer of sorts, expertly crafting advertisements and promotional clips that promised thrill-seekers an oasis of online gaming. His earnings of around 10,000 baht (US$310) each month were humble compared to Chanachai’s eclipse, but he had still acquired his own semi-automatic homemade firearm and a handful of .38 Special ammunition for 15,000 baht (US$460) through Facebook, following a similar recipe for risk.
As the story unfolded, both men faced charges of promoting illegal gambling and harboring unlicensed arms and ammunition. Siwakorn had a messier ledger, with his arrest warrant from the Thanyaburi Provincial Court dated February 27 still bearing the smudges of nighttime trespass and assault charges.
Meanwhile, on another front of this criminal tapestry, the net caught 41-year-old Supasawat, who meticulously handled the finances for the AUTO.UFABET-PGSLOT gambling enterprise. Generating a staggering 9 million baht (US$276,875) monthly, the operation was a behemoth in the online gambling realm. On the same omniscient date of June 13, police swept into a Lat Krabang residence, seizing computers, banking equipment, and a CZ 2075 RAMI pistol flanked by 17 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Supasawat’s role was as lucrative as it was notorious, netting him 70,000 baht (US$2,150) monthly for his contribution to this modern-day gamblers’ gold rush. However, the winds of legality had turned against him, casting shadows of gambling operation charges, money laundering, and possession of an improperly registered firearm.
The high-stakes pursuit of justice by the cyber police didn’t stop there. They peeled back layers of unlawful transactions to find incendiary substances like methamphetamine pills in one case, capturing online loan sharks in Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, and Nakhon Nayok. Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong took to the podium, underscoring a worrying trend—an uptick in homemade firearms among online miscreants. These digital desperados, he remarked, often arm themselves to intimidate and resist arrest.
With renewed determination, the cyber police prepared for a relentless campaign against this underground arsenal. As officers suited up in tactical gear for safe arrests, a bold directive reverberated through police channels: dismantle the illegal firearm networks before they could galvanize the criminal underworld.
It’s honestly insane how the cyber police were able to unravel such a complex network. It sounds just like a movie plot!
True! But it also makes you think about how advanced criminals have become. With all the tech today, it’s getting harder to track them down.
Honestly, why are people so surprised? If these guys want to break the law, they’re gonna find ways to stay ahead of the police. Just a matter of time before another group pops up.
It’s concerning that so many people have access to firearms through social media. This aspect of the story is alarming.
I agree, it’s terrifying how easy it seems to be able to get a gun nowadays. Makes you question the efficiency of regulations.
Not to mention, the issue isn’t just limited to firearms. There’s a whole underground market happening online that’s barely addressed.
I’m more interested in how the mastermind was only 22 years old. That’s impressive level of cunning for someone so young.
Absolutely! But it also makes you wonder how these young minds are getting involved in such illegal activities. It’s not exactly a career goal.
Yeah, education on these topics needs to start early, maybe even in schools. Understanding the risks might deter some from going down this path.
Let’s not glorify what they did just because they’re young. Age doesn’t make illegal activities admirable.
I think this story highlights a deeper issue with illegal online activities being so lucrative. The risk seems worth it for many of these criminals.
Can’t believe the risk seemed worth it for what they were making. Imagine giving up all your freedom for not even a fortune.
That’s the thing with greed. Every bit feels like a fortune until you’re behind bars.
It’s fascinating to see technology evolving crime. This is both a boon and bane for society, but we need more digital literacy.
Agreed. As much as technology aids us, it also gives rise to such complex criminal networks. People should be more aware of the dark side of tech.
I’m not surprised. Organized crime has always been a step ahead of the law. The real question is how law enforcement can catch up.
Maybe they need to start recruiting tech-savvy youth who might have a natural inclination to outwit these networks?
So we busted one; what’s the plan to prevent the next one from sprouting up?
Good question. Continuous monitoring and perhaps international cooperation are key. Crime knows no boundaries online.
Indeed, but easier said than done. One slip and they could lurk in the shadows again.
This case just goes to show the unsettling reality: the criminal underworld is armed to the teeth and willing to face-off with authorities.
Right?! What kind of world are we leaving behind when criminals have their own arsenals?
Are there any measures being considered to curb the illegal spread of firearms?
Tricky question. Policies need to evolve as fast as tactics used by the criminals.
Exactly, but we also need to consider the root causes pushing people into crime.
Homemade firearms just sound like trouble waiting to happen. How’d they even learn to make them?
DIY tutorials online, probably. That’s the scary part!
At least there’s one less gambling syndicate out there now. Kudos to the cyber police for their relentless pursuit.
What they need now is a permanent strategy, otherwise it’s just a game of whack-a-mole.
True, but knocking some down will still act as a deterrent for others.
If only these skills were channeled into something positive, we’d see incredible innovation. What a waste of talent.
Definitely! It’s sad when smart people choose crime instead of contributing.