MP faces gambling host, laundering, transnational crime charges

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has recommended that Klatham Party MP Chonnaput Naksua be arraigned on charges of organizing illegal online gambling, money laundering, transnational crime, and illegal assembly, according to the Ministry of Defense's report. The DSI presented files containing approximately 12,000 pages of evidence to the Office of the Attorney-General in Bangkok, detailing the charges against the 36-year-old opposition MP from Songkhla.

The accused is suspected of involvement in illegal gambling websites and related offenses in multiple countries. The Attorney-General's office had previously instructed the DSI to separate this case from another involving a large network of online gambling hosts in southern Thailand, with an estimated 1 billion baht in cash flows.

In the earlier case, DSI officials searched ten locations in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, and Songkhla, seizing assets valued at around 10 million baht, including a Toyota Alphard van, luxury bags, and property. The DSI has also arrested two women among the 26 suspects in the earlier southern gambling case. When questioned at the Office of the Attorney-General on Monday, Mr. Chonnaput denied the transnational crime charges and expressed readiness to defend himself against all charges.

He clarified that, as an MP, he could not currently benefit from immunity, as such protection is only available to sitting MPs during the interrogation process. The offense of participating in a transnational crime organization carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years, while illegal assembly carries a penalty of seven years.