Bangkok: The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) have launched a major operation against an online gambling network linked to a prominent politician, uncovering over a billion baht in circulation.
According to Thai News Agency, the operation is spearheaded by the Steering Committee for the Prevention and Suppression of Technology Crimes, chaired by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, with Police Lieutenant General Ruddhaphol Nawarat serving as the chairman of the Sub-Committee on Technology Crime Suppression. Police Lieutenant Colonel Yutthana Paedam, Director-General of the DSI, is leading the mission to tackle technology-related crimes, focusing on the suppression of online gambling networks and associated money laundering activities. The initiative aims to utilize special laws to expedite prosecution and achieve tangible results.
The investigation, initially launched in 2023, targeted the online gambling site 'AK47MAX' and involved 36 suspects. Of these, 24 have been charged with organizing electronic gambling, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, while 12 suspects remain at large. Evidence revealed 39 million baht in transactions linked to a politician, Mr. Chanonphat (surname withheld). The DSI expanded its investigation to uncover a money laundering operation worth approximately 1 billion baht. Five suspects committed additional offenses, leading to the case being separated into Special Case No. 150/2568, with arrest warrants approved for 25 individuals. A summons will be issued for Mr. Chanonphat.
On March 5, 2026, the DSI, working with various divisions including the Narcotics Crime Division and the Special Cases Operations Center Region 9, conducted searches at 10 locations across multiple provinces to find evidence and arrest suspects. The operation led to the arrest of Ms. Nareerat (surname withheld) in Bangkok, charged with facilitating unauthorized gambling and money laundering.
Evidence linked Mr. Chanonphat to the case, including audio recordings and application conversations related to online gambling and tax falsification. Searches of his residence in Songkhla province revealed assets valued at approximately 160 million baht, currently under AMLO consideration. Discrepancies in company account information further complicate the investigation.
The DSI's Surveillance and Intelligence Center is coordinating with relevant agencies to apprehend fugitives. All suspects are urged to report to DSI investigators to enter the judicial process and assist in the ongoing investigation.