Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has expanded its investigation into an alleged online gambling network linked to Klatham Party MP for Songkhla Chonnaput Naksua after prosecutors recommended pursuing additional suspects and broader criminal charges.
The latest development follows a review by Thailand’s Office of the Attorney General (OAG), which received the investigation file on May 14 and advised the DSI to widen legal proceedings against six more individuals believed to have participated in operating the alleged gambling syndicate. According to investigators, one arrest warrant has already been issued, while evidence is still being gathered against the remaining five suspects.
According to Bangkok Post, authorities are also preparing additional allegations that include participation in a secret criminal association, jointly operating illegal online gambling without a licence, conspiracy to commit money laundering and involvement in a transnational criminal organisation.
The investigation dates back to 2019 and has continued to grow as officials examine the organisation behind the alleged gambling platform alongside the movement of funds connected to it. Investigators are pursuing both criminal proceedings and financial inquiries as they attempt to identify assets associated with the network.
Prosecutors seek wider legal action
The OAG’s recommendations significantly broaden the scope of the case. After reviewing the evidence submitted by the DSI, prosecutors instructed investigators to include six more unnamed suspects believed to have played roles in running the operation.
The DSI confirmed that an arrest warrant has already been approved for one of those individuals. Investigators continue collecting additional evidence against the remaining five suspects before proceeding further.
According to the DSI’s Bureau of Technology and Information Inspection Centre, several suspects connected to the case have already faced prosecution. Authorities also believe a number of people linked to the gambling network are currently operating from neighbouring countries, leading investigators to include transnational crime allegations in the case.
If formally filed, the expanded charges would cover membership of a secret criminal association, jointly operating illegal online gambling without authorisation, conspiracy to commit money laundering and participation in a transnational criminal organisation.
Additional accusations against Chonnaput are expected after the current parliamentary session concludes, as parliamentary protections remain in place while the House is sitting.
Financial investigation continues alongside criminal case
Investigators are continuing to examine financial transactions believed to be connected to the alleged gambling operation while tracing assets linked to the network.
Earlier this year, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) ordered two rounds of asset seizures involving Chonnaput and individuals associated with the investigation. Authorities said the confiscated assets are valued at approximately THB160 million.
The MP reported to DSI investigators in March after receiving a summons connected to the case.
In May, the DSI also requested parliamentary approval to arrest Chonnaput so he could stand trial over the allegations. Members of parliament rejected that request by a vote of 308 to 126.
Following the parliamentary vote, the lawmaker stated that he would surrender to DSI officials once parliament enters recess.
If prosecutors proceed with the additional accusations after the parliamentary session ends, Chonnaput could face charges carrying substantially heavier penalties. Membership in a secret criminal association carries a maximum prison sentence of seven years, while participation in a transnational criminal organisation is punishable by up to 15 years’ imprisonment.
Investigation remains active
Authorities indicated that the investigation remains ongoing as they continue gathering evidence against both existing and newly identified suspects.
The DSI said the expanded case reflects the OAG’s recommendations following its review of the investigation file. Officials are continuing to pursue evidence relating to the alleged gambling operation, its financial transactions and the individuals believed to have participated in its activities.
The financial investigation will continue alongside the criminal proceedings as authorities work to identify additional assets and individuals connected to the network. Once parliamentary protections no longer apply, investigators are expected to formally file the additional charges against Chonnaput while advancing legal proceedings against the remaining suspects.