Alleged boss of illegal gambling in Thailand’s eastern region in police custody

23 Sept 03:16 Key points summarised by AI

Police apprehended Somchai Chutikitdecha, alias Longchu Somchai, and seven others, dismantling an alleged illegal gambling network across Thailand's eastern region.
Authorities seized approximately 880 million baht in assets, including luxury vehicles and property, during coordinated raids.
Somchai and his son face charges for masterminding the murder of a taxi driver who exposed their gambling operations and for money laundering through a real estate firm.
Longchu Somchai previously came to public attention when his Rayong gambling den was linked to a significant COVID-19 cluster, prompting provincial lockdowns.
Dozens of police officers are currently under investigation for allegedly receiving payments from the gambling network.

Suspected drug couriers killed in Phetchaburi; half a tonne of Ice seized

Yesterday 16:06 Key points summarised by AI

Two suspected drug couriers were killed in a shootout with narcotics officers in Phetchaburi province.
Authorities seized approximately half a tonne of crystal methamphetamine, also known as Ice, during the operation.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night after officers tracked a network suspected of transporting large quantities of drugs to southern Thailand.
The suspects, identified as Chattharin and Rungarun, both 27, opened fire when confronted by officers, who returned fire, resulting in their deaths.