Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has expanded its case against Klatham Party MP for Songkhla Chonnaput Naksua, adding money laundering and transnational organized crime charges in connection with an alleged illegal online gambling network.
According to local reports, the DSI expanded the investigation after the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), which received the case file on May 14th, recommended pursuing legal action against six additional suspects believed to have played roles in operating the gambling syndicate.
The DSI said one arrest warrant has already been issued, while investigators continue gathering evidence against the remaining five suspects in accordance with the OAG’s recommendations.
The expanded charges include participation in a secret criminal association, jointly operating illegal online gambling without a license, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and involvement in a transnational criminal organization. The DSI’s Bureau of Technology and Information Inspection Center said several suspects have already been prosecuted, with authorities believing many members of the network are operating from neighboring countries.
Investigators are continuing to trace financial transactions and assets linked to the alleged gambling operation alongside the criminal proceedings. Additional charges against Chonnaput are expected to be filed once the current parliamentary session concludes, as parliamentary immunity prevents prosecution while the House remains in session.
If filed, the new allegations would include participation in a secret criminal association, which carries a maximum prison sentence of seven years, and involvement in a transnational criminal organization, punishable by up to 15 years’ imprisonment. The investigation dates back to 2019. Chonnaput reported to the DSI in March after receiving a summons.
Separately, Thailand’s Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has ordered two rounds of asset seizures targeting the MP and individuals linked to the alleged network, with the confiscated assets valued at approximately THB160 million ($4.4 million).
