Pattaya ‘entertainment complex’ busted for casino, sex trade, call scams

The Immigration Bureau Division 3 has raided an eight-storey luxury building in central Pattaya that had been converted into a sprawling illegal entertainment complex, complete with a clandestine casino, a prostitution ring, and a call centre scam operation. Over 40 suspects, both Chinese and Thai nationals, were arrested, and a large volume of evidence was seized.

The raid took place around 3am on June 17, led by Pol Maj Gen Chairit Anurit, commander of the Immigration Division 3. The operation involved more than 50 officers from Pattaya City Police Station and local administrative officials, all armed and prepared for a high-risk operation. They stormed the Antai Apartment on Soi Sukhumvit Pattaya Klang 36 in Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province.

The eight-storey building, previously a luxury apartment complex, had been completely repurposed into a fully equipped illegal entertainment hub, police said.

Upon inspection, authorities found over 50 rooms divided into multiple zones. The ground floor had been turned into a reception lobby, while the second floor operated as a full-scale casino with gambling tables, millions of baht in chips and cash, dice, and table mats. Male and female Chinese nationals were caught gambling in full swing.

The upper floors housed several rooms converted into call centre scam bases. Some rooms served as private karaoke lounges, where attractive Thai women entertained Chinese clients in a discreet manner. Officers arrested over 40 suspects—both Chinese and Thai—who are now undergoing screening and document checks. Authorities are also expanding the investigation to trace links to a wider transnational network.

A detailed investigation is underway, and officials are preparing a major press briefing to expose the full extent of this Chinese-backed criminal syndicate, which appears to have used Pattaya as a base for multi-sector illegal operations.