Government Center: DSI has accepted the case involving a secret society and the 2024 Senate election as a special investigation, focusing on witness testimonies, financial trails, and political connections.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sombun Muangklam, Advisor to the Minister of Justice, along with key officials from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), announced the acceptance of the case involving the secret society known as Ang Yee Hang and the selection of a senator as a special case. The investigation will address potential offenses under the Criminal Code, Anti-Money Laundering Act, and election-related violations. The DSI’s Special Case Committee has decided to prioritize the money laundering aspect of the case and is actively coordinating with the Election Commission (EC).
Pol. Lt. Col. Yuthana Phraedam, Director-General of the DSI, revealed that the EC had requested a special investigation into the Senate selection process due to public concerns. The DSI is currently examining witness testimonies, media evidence, and IT data. The Ratthanathibet and Kosumpisai Police Stations have forwarded related cases involving secret society activities to the DSI, which has accepted them as part of the ongoing special investigation into money laundering.
Pol. Lt. Col. Anurak Rojananirankit, Deputy Director-General of the DSI, stated that three DSI officers have been integrated into the EC’s investigation team to streamline information sharing and support. The investigation is focused on both the special case and related cases under EC jurisdiction, with the prosecutor also participating. So far, 30 individuals have been interrogated, and AI technology is being used to analyze financial links and voting behaviors during the national senator elections at Impact Muang Thong Thani.
Mr. Sombun encouraged individuals affected by the Senate election process to come forward as witnesses. The DSI is prepared to document their statements regarding money laundering and secret society activities. The public is urged to report any irregularities from the district, provincial, and national levels of the Senate elections held in June 2024.
Pol. Lt. Col. Yuthana clarified that the DSI and EC will conduct separate investigations under different legal frameworks, with potential overlaps in money laundering and triad cases. No charges have been filed yet regarding secret society membership, but the DSI is investigating the connections forwarded by local police stations.
In gathering evidence, Mr. Sombun highlighted the need for comprehensive evidence, including witness accounts, documentary proof, and scientific data. He addressed concerns about the pace of the investigation, noting that the process began in September 2024 following a complaint and has involved thorough examination over several months.
Pol. Lt. Col. Yuthana mentioned that financial trails linked to money laundering are under review, with ongoing monitoring by financial institutions. There is no current indication of political party involvement in the Senate election.
Pol. Lt. Col. Nattapol Disayatham announced plans for further data collection using forensic science and geographic information mapping to analyze election sites. The DSI aims to gather extensive evidence to support the investigation.