A candidate for Thailand\u2019s parliament has been arrested on charges of involvement in online gambling and money laundering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ratchapong Soisuwan<\/strong>, a parliamentary candidate from the People\u2019s Party<\/strong> for the upcoming general elections in February, is accused of being connected to an online gambling network through the website nakarin789.com.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) <\/strong>raided Soisuwan\u2019s home in Bangkok, as well as two other addresses, resulting in the arrests of Somphot Kaewprasit <\/strong>and Kanchana Namhong.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n According to local media, funds from the gambling operation were transferred to a bank account registered in Soisuwan\u2019s name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The leader of the People\u2019s Party and prime ministerial candidate, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut,<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the People\u2019s Party currently leads in pre-election polls, Soisuwan\u2019s arrest is undoubtedly a major blow to the party and will almost certainly prevent him from running in the elections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Given the high level of public distrust in the government following last year\u2019s issues, the People\u2019s Party\u2019s electoral success would likely strengthen its position in combating the grey market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n