Thailand’s Department of Special Investigations (DSI) has expanded its probe into an alleged online gambling ring linked to Klatham Party lawmaker for Songkhla Chonnaput Naksua after prosecutors recommended pursuing additional suspects and broader criminal charges.
This latest development follows a review by the Thai Attorney General’s Office (OAG), which received the investigation file on May 14 and advised DSI to expand legal proceedings against six more people believed to have participated in operating the gambling syndicate. According to investigators, one arrest warrant has been issued, while evidence is still being collected for five other suspects.
According to the Bangkok Post, authorities are also preparing additional charges that include participation in a secret criminal association, joint operation of illegal online gambling without a license, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and involvement in a transnational criminal organization.
The investigation began in 2019 and has continued to develop along with it officials are examining the organization behind the alleged gambling platform in addition to the movement of funds related to it. Investigators are conducting criminal proceedings and financial probes as they try to identify assets linked to the network.
Prosecutors will seek broader legal action
The OAG recommendations significantly expand the scope of this case. After reviewing the evidence submitted by DSI, prosecutors instructed investigators to include six more unnamed suspects believed to have played a role in carrying out the operation.
DSI confirmed that an arrest warrant has been approved for one of the individuals. Investigators are continuing to gather additional evidence against the other five suspects before proceeding further.
According to the DSI Information and Technology Inspection Center Bureau, several suspects related to this case have been tried. Authorities also believe a number of people associated with the gambling network are currently operating from neighboring countries, leading investigators to file transnational crime charges in the case.
If submitted officially, expanded charges would include membership in a secret criminal associationjointly operating illegal online gambling without a license, conspiracy to commit money laundering and participation in a transnational criminal organization.
Additional charges against Chonnaput are expected after the current parliamentary session ends, as parliamentary protections remain in place while the House is still in session.
The financial investigation continues alongside the criminal case
Investigators continue to examine financial transactions believed to be related to the alleged gambling operation while searching for assets associated with the network.
Earlier this year, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) ordered two rounds of asset seizures involving Chonnaput and individuals linked to the investigation. Authorities said the assets seized were worth around THB160 million.
The lawmaker reported to DSI investigators in March after receiving a summons regarding the case.
In May, the DSI also sought parliamentary approval to arrest Chonnaput so he could be tried on the charges. Lawmakers rejected the request by a vote of 308 to 126.
After the parliamentary vote, the lawmaker stated that he would surrender to DSI officials once parliament went into recess.
If prosecutors pursue the additional charges after the parliamentary session ends, Chonnaput could face charges carrying much harsher sentences. Membership in a secret criminal society is punishable by a maximum imprisonment of seven years, while participation in a transnational criminal organization is punishable by a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.
The investigation remains active
Authorities indicated that the investigation is still ongoing as they continue to gather evidence against existing and newly identified suspects.
DSI said the expanded case reflects the OAG’s recommendations after reviewing the investigation file. Officials continue to seek evidence related to the alleged gambling operation, its financial transactions, and individuals believed to have participated in its activities.
The financial investigation will continue alongside criminal proceedings as authorities seek to identify additional assets and individuals connected to the network. When parliamentary protection no longer applies, investigators are expected to formally file additional charges against Chonnaput while continuing legal proceedings against other suspects.
