This is the dramatic moment a crowd scattered as police raided a cockfighting ring in Thailand.

Police stormed the illegal den following a tip-off about banned cockfights taking place in Pattaya.

Cops swooped in on Soi Toonklom, where they found dozens of locals cheering for their bets.

Footage shows the suspects huddled around a cockfighting arena before dispersing in panic when officers announced the raid.

Police said 98 people were arrested while two fighting cocks, a money can, a cockfighting ring, and a record of matches were confiscated.

Patcharaphat Srithanyanon, Bang Lamung district chief, said: 'We handed the arrested suspects, including the venue owner, and the seized items to the inquiry officer of Nongprue Police Station for charges and further legal action.'

Cockfighting is legal but strictly regulated in Thailand. The activity is only allowed at license venues, and authorities would occasionally crack down on illegal cockfighting pits operating outside regulations.