Bangkok: The Crime Suppression Division launched "Dragon Nest," dismantling a clandestine operation and seizing a luxury hotel in Nonthaburi that had been converted into a secret base of operations. The hotel was found to be a hub for Chinese nationals, operating gambling dens, drug parties, and a full-scale prostitution ring.

According to Thai News Agency, more than 100 officers from the Crime Suppression Division, armed with a search warrant from the Criminal Court, surrounded and raided a hotel on Ngamwongwan Road, Bang Khen Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nonthaburi Province. The raid followed investigations revealing the hotel had been converted into a base of operations for a Chinese-owned illicit group, used for gambling, drug trafficking, and prostitution, specifically catering to Chinese clients.

This operation stemmed from reports by local residents that the hotel was being used as a hub for illegal activities by a group of Chinese nationals. Chinese citizens were seen arriving and leaving the hotel day and night, and it was not open to Thai guests, with the excuse that rooms were full. Investigators then surveyed the area and discovered that the hotel had been systematically converted into a "secret hideout" for Chinese illicit activities. Floors 2-6 were used as guest rooms, while floors 7 and 8 were used as drug party rooms and gambling dens. Furthermore, security was extremely tight. Ground floor security guards used radio communication to alert staff inside, and the elevators were locked, requiring key cards to access only the 6th floor. Guests then had to walk up and lock the stairs to floors 7-8. Almost all of the service staff were Chinese nationals who lived and worked on the premises to prevent information from leaking out. It was also discovered that the Chinese illicit group arranged vans to pick up Chinese customers from the airport and transport them directly to the hotel, where they offered a full range of services including accommodation, gambling, drug parties (including ketamine and happy water), and even prostitution. In 2023, the location was raided by immigration police, resulting in the arrest of over 49 Chinese and Thai gamblers. Afterward, the hotel was allegedly closed for renovations but secretly reopened, defying the law once again.

During the initial search, authorities found over 40 residents in the building, including Chinese, Myanmar, and Shan nationals. They arrested four Chinese nationals and three Myanmar migrant workers who had illegally entered the country, along with a large quantity of drugs. Over 200 items were seized, including ketamine, "happy water," gambling chips, a baccarat table, dice, 110,000 baht in cash, and CCTV footage. Several vehicles were found in the parking lot, mostly owned by Chinese nationals, suggesting connections to nominee ownership. The Chinese suspects claimed to be mere foremen delivering drugs on orders but denied ownership of the drugs and cash in the safe. The suspects and seized items were taken to Rattanathibeth Police Station for legal proceedings, and further investigations will be conducted to apprehend other individuals involved.