Police raided an illegal gambling den disguised as a Chinese restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand.

The Metropolitan Police Bureau descended on the building in the Wang Thonglang district on November 5, following complaints from Thai locals that they were being denied entry into the restaurant.

Police Colonel Santi Kornkasem, superintendent of the Children and Women Protection Sub-Division, said: 'The place used to be a Chinese restaurant but it was closed during COVID. It is now a general building. It is not operating as a restaurant, but the sign just had not been removed.'

Authorities arrested at least 15 Chinese and Taiwanese nationals suspected of illegal gambling at the underground casino. The alleged gamblers reportedly arranged appointments to meet through chat apps and social media.

Police seized 396 black chips, 228 yellow chips, and 396 red chips worth 10,000 baht, 1,000 baht, and 500 baht respectively. Twelve green chips, 12 clear chips, two decks of cards, and four pieces of paper containing chip exchange information were also confiscated.

The suspects were charged for joint gambling (poker), gambling without permission, and jointly organizing illegal gambling. They allegedly admitted the charges and were handed over to the inquiry officer at the Wang Thong Lang Police Station.

Most forms of gambling are illegal in Thailand under the country's Gambling Act of 1935.

Poker, and other games like slot machines and baccarat, fall under the law's 'List A' and are prohibited.

Organisers of List A games may be punished with detention between three months and three years, and a fine ranging from 500 to 5,000 baht.

While players may be either jailed for up to three years, fined up to 5,000 baht, or both.