Bangkok: The Attorney General's Office has decided to indict Chonnapat Naksua, a Songkhla MP from the Kla Tham Party, along with others in two separate cases involving allegations of money laundering and online gambling. This decision follows an order to expedite the process of bringing the defendants to court.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chaiyarat Pawakanant, Deputy Spokesperson of the Office of the Attorney General, outlined the progress of the cases against Mr. Chonnapat and others. In the first case, initiated by the Songkhla City Police Station, Mr. Chonnapat was accused alongside Mr. Phattharasak of organizing or participating in online gambling without permission. While the prosecutor decided not to prosecute Mr. Chonnapat, Mr. Phattharasak was indicted and subsequently sentenced to three months in prison following a confession.
In the money laundering case, the investigation was initially dismissed by the Songkhla Provincial Prosecutor. However, after a referral from the Deputy Commander of Provincial Police Region 9, the Attorney General ordered further investigation. This led to a decision on April 3, 2026, to indict both Mr. Chanonphat and Mr. Phattharasak under the Anti-Money Laundering Act for activities related to concealing assets obtained through online gambling. The Attorney General also ordered the seizure of two vehicles linked to the case.
The second case, filed by Hat Yai Police Station, involves accusations against Mr. Chanonphat and Mr. Nattawut for organizing online gambling and violating the Computer Crime Act. Although charges under the Computer Crime Act were dropped, the Attorney General ruled on April 3, 2026, to indict them under the Gambling Act. Additionally, an investigation was ordered to determine ownership of five seized firearms.
Following these rulings, investigators are required to expedite the process of bringing the defendants to the Attorney General for court indictment. Due to the ongoing parliamentary session, Mr. Chanonphat may request a delay in meeting the Attorney General until the session concludes, or seek permission from the Speaker of the House of Representatives to proceed with the case.