PHUKET: Punters who jumped into a pond to flee military raiders at a gambling den on Phuket last night ran out of luck.

All six men and two women, accused by neighbors of making too much noise as they played illegal games late into the night, were arrested.

An armed Royal Thai Navy squad accompanied Phuket Governor's volunteers to raid the house in Soi Tagin, Moo 3, in Phuket City's Rassada district.

As well as making sure the eight alleged gamblers did not escape, the squad - organised after complaints to Phuket's Damrungtam office - took possession of 61,500 baht in cash, seven mobile telephones and an iPad.

More alarming for the suspects was the finding of equipment used to take ya ice methamphetamine and maijuana.

Several people tried to flee through a pond near the house but the raiders believe none of the alleged gamblers got away.

The eight were being held today at Phuket City Police Station.