Thai MP Exposed as Online Gambling Kingpin and Money Launderer

Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has officially recommended that public prosecutors immediately indict MP Chonnaput Naksua of the Klatham Party. The politician faces charges of organising illegal online gambling, money laundering, transnational crime, and illegal association.

Citing the Bangkok Post, DSI officials have submitted the case files to the Attorney General’s Office in Bangkok. The thick dossier contains approximately 12,000 pages of evidence detailing the series of allegations against Chonnaput, a 36-year-old opposition MP for Songkhla province.

As background to the case, Chonnaput is strongly suspected of involvement in a syndicate operating illegal gambling websites and related offences in other countries. The Attorney General had previously instructed the DSI to separate Chonnaput’s case from another case targeting a large network of online gambling hosts in southern Thailand, with an alleged cash flow of around 1 billion baht.

In earlier disclosures, DSI officers raided 10 locations across Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, and Songkhla. The operation resulted in the seizure of assets worth approximately 10 million baht, including a Toyota Alphard van, luxury bags, and property.

The DSI has also arrested two women in connection with the case. They are among 26 suspects in the earlier southern-region gambling case.

Meanwhile, Chonnaput has firmly denied the transnational crime allegations against him. He acknowledged that despite his status as a member of parliament, he cannot enjoy legal immunity at this stage of the judicial process, as immunity rights only apply to sitting MPs during interrogation proceedings.

“I am ready to defend myself against all charges,” the Thai MP asserted.

For context, participation in a transnational criminal organisation carries a maximum prison sentence of up to 15 years in Thailand, while the offence of illegal association carries a potential seven-year prison term.