A bridge too far: Elderly Bridge players busted for ‘illegal gambling’ in Thailand

Thursday, 08 Feb, 2016 0

Authorities in Thailand’s sin city of Pattaya have long been trying to clean up its image but police have now been accused of going just a little too far.

A group of 32 mostly elderly Western retirees have been busted on suspicion of illegal gambling – for playing Bridge.

The group were raided by not only police but members of the Thai military and local officials.

They were acting on an anonymous tip, Pattaya police chief Col. Sukathat Pumpanmuang said.

The group includes a 84-year Dutch woman, local media reported.

They were released on bail of THB 5,000 but will not be charged with illegal gambling..

However they could be charged under an obscure law which limits all individuals to no more than 120 unregistered playing cards in their possession.

Police found no proof of any money changing hands but seized computers, playing cards and a book with the results of each game logged.

The raid was heavily criticised by local and international media.

The gambling charges were dropped after the president of the Contract Bridge League of Thailand, Chodchoy Sophonpanich lobbied on the group’s behalf, insisting Bridge is recognised under Thai law as a sport and not gambling.

"Police know that bridge is a sport because a similar case happened before, but this time it was military and district officials who initiated the raid and they probably didn’t know," said Chaiyut Assanaiyarat, the bridge league’s manager.

below social share icons

TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

In 2024, The Red Sea will be ready to welcome 300,000 guests in line with the completion of 16 hotels...

If you’re thinking of cruising, there’s a very good chance you’re considering a Carnival cruise. Growing since our founding in...

In the heart of Europe, in one of the most innovative cities in the world, at the centre of business,...

At Visit California, our mission is to develop and maintain marketing programs – in partnership with the state’s travel industry...

River cruising is a treat for the senses, allowing you to see, touch, feel and experience the world like never...

This is Jersey. An island shaped by the sea where some of the most astonishing tides in the world circle...

Local spices spike the fragrant air of Morocco. Cradled by the dunes of the Sahara, the Kingdom has been inhabited...

We are a small-group adventure travel operator offering more than 750 tours in 100 countries, on all seven continents. Our...

Since 1932, P&O Cruises has offered Aussies and Kiwis the opportunity to take to the seas and have the holiday...

Located in the Mediterranean and connecting Asia and European continents that are separated by the famous Bosphorus, Türkiye is a...

Swallows and Amazons is a Brazilian adventure tour company run by the husband and wife team of Tania and Mark...

ECOMMPAY is an international payment service provider and direct bank card acquirer, engineering bespoke payment solutions for clients worldwide. Our...

Hilton is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 22 world-class brands comprising nearly 7,300 properties and more than 1.1 million rooms, in...

Intrepid Travel is a world leader in sustainable experience-rich travel that has been taking travellers to discover the world’s most amazing places...

NSW, Australia Welcome to New South Wales – a place to feel free, feel alive, feel new. As the official...

Global Hotel Alliance brings together a unique collection of independent hospitality brands for GHA DISCOVERY, a multi-brand loyalty programme. GHA...