DSI widens gambling case against MP

PUBLISHED : 28 Jun 2026 at 06:42

NEWSPAPER SECTION: News

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has expanded charges in an online gambling network linked to Klatham Party MP for Songkhla Chonnaput Naksua, adding money-laundering and transnational crime offences.

A DSI source said that after investigators completed their inquiry and forwarded the case file to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) on May 14, the OAG recommended that legal action be expanded to include six more suspects connected to the network.

All six were involved in operating the syndicate, the DSI said. A warrant has been issued for one suspect, while investigators gather evidence against the remaining five in line with the OAG's recommendations.

The additional charges under consideration include membership of a secret criminal association, jointly running illegal online gambling without a permit, conspiracy to commit money laundering and taking part in a transnational criminal organisation, the source said.

The DSI's Bureau of Technology and Information Inspection Centre said several suspects have already been prosecuted, with many believed to be operating from neighbouring countries.

Investigators are tracing financial transactions and assets tied to the network alongside the criminal proceedings. The additional charges against Mr Chonnaput will be filed formally after the current parliamentary session ends, as the House remains in session, the source said.

The new accusations expected against the MP include involvement in a secret criminal association, which carries a maximum of seven years in prison, and participation in a transnational criminal organisation, punishable by up to 15 years.

The case dates back to 2019. Mr Chonnaput reported to the DSI in March this year after receiving a summons. The Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) ordered two rounds of asset seizures from him and his network worth about 160 million baht in total.