A candidate for Thailand’s parliament has been arrested on charges of involvement in online gambling and money laundering.
Ratchapong Soisuwan, a parliamentary candidate from the People’s Party for the upcoming general elections in February, is accused of being connected to an online gambling network through the website nakarin789.com.
Officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) raided Soisuwan’s home in Bangkok, as well as two other addresses, resulting in the arrests of Somphot Kaewprasit and Kanchana Namhong.
According to local media, funds from the gambling operation were transferred to a bank account registered in Soisuwan’s name.
The leader of the People’s Party and prime ministerial candidate, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, emphasized at an emergency press conference that the party maintains zero tolerance for corruption and illegal activity. He added that the party would not protect members accused of wrongdoing and would not interfere with judicial processes.
Although the People’s Party currently leads in pre-election polls, Soisuwan’s arrest is undoubtedly a major blow to the party and will almost certainly prevent him from running in the elections.
Given the high level of public distrust in the government following last year’s issues, the People’s Party’s electoral success would likely strengthen its position in combating the grey market.
Ruengpanyawut stated that the party will focus on eliminating government links to the grey market and called on authorities to ensure strict action against any politicians involved in criminal activities, including money laundering and online gambling networks.
A Series of Scandals
This is not the first time high-ranking Thai officials have been implicated in online gambling scandals.
Last year, Narote Piriyarangsan, the son of a former senator, was arrested in connection with online gambling and money laundering linked to the website 69pgslot.com.
Meanwhile, Police General Surachate Hakparn was dismissed from the force during an investigation into his alleged links to an illegal online gambling network.
These ongoing investigations, along with recent allegations, are unlikely to strengthen the Thai authorities’ anti-gambling stance.
Last year, there were hopes that former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra might advance casino regulation. However, she was removed from office in August amid the ongoing border conflict with Cambodia, and her casino bill was eventually withdrawn.
Her successor, Anutin Charnvirakul, has reiterated his opposition to gambling legalization and recently assured Chinese President Xi Jinping of the desire to restore positive bilateral relations.
The People’s Party leader, Ruengpanyawut, has also previously spoken out against casino legislation.
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