The DSI explained that it conducted searches at 10 locations across 4 provinces linked to the arrest of an online gambling website connected to "Chonnaphat." Significant evidence was found in a home in Songkhla. Authorities plan to expand the investigation and, if the evidence is sufficient, will seek further arrest warrants.
On 6 Mar 2026, Pol. Lt. Gen. Rutthaphon Naowarat, Minister of Justice, stated that today’s briefing covered operations by the DSI and the Anti-Money Laundering Office regarding the arrest of a major online gambling network linked to politician Chonnaphat Naksua. The DSI has issued multiple arrest and search warrants and is continuing to collect additional evidence, focusing on individuals involved who are politicians or government officials.
Pol. Col. Yuthana Praedam, Director-General of the DSI, said this case involves technology-related crime with widespread impact and significant damage. The DSI has been directed to use special case laws for decisive action. The case originated from tips alleging money laundering related to online gambling, connected to a prior case with 36 arrest warrants issued and 22 suspects detained. New information relates to the earlier case, which has been approved as a special case. Investigations found new money transfers totaling about 1 billion baht during 2025. The DSI obtained 25 new arrest warrants, and on 5 Mar officials searched 10 locations across 4 provinces, arresting one female admin suspect and seizing multiple assets. Documents indicating ownership of assets acquired through gambling offenses were handed to the Anti-Money Laundering Office for legal action. Further investigations will continue.
Lt. Col. Khemchat Prakaihongmanee, Director of the Technology and Information Crime Division, revealed that this operation is linked to a previous special case from 2023 concerning the financial flows of an online gambling network. Transfers totaling 39 million baht to and from a certain politician were identified. Consequently, approval was obtained to expand the special case under file number 150/2568. Investigators began inquiries in December 2025. In the earlier case, 36 offenders were processed, with some already charged and sentenced by the court.
Regarding the new case in 2025, on 27 Feb investigators petitioned the court to approve 27 arrest warrants, including for a politician. The court approved 25 warrants; the remaining two suspects were issued summonses due to having permanent residences. During yesterday’s operation, besides searches, summonses were delivered to the politician to appear before investigators at the DSI on 12 Mar 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
Yesterday’s searches covered 10 locations in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, and Songkhla, aiming to detain individuals named in arrest warrants. Four locations targeted individuals, resulting in one arrest—a key admin or leader of the gambling operators. Significant evidence was seized including electronic links, travel records in and out of the kingdom, and other circumstantial evidence. Most suspects have no long-term residences in Thailand. The arrested suspect had traveled from Cambodia to Thailand to visit relatives in Bangkok, enabling capture in Din Daeng district. Expanded investigations revealed important electronic evidence such as voice recordings, connections to politicians, and approximately 30 clips related to gambling website operations at the admin level. These represent the first four arrest warrants executed.
Another five warrants relate to companies and businesses established to handle proceeds from gambling. The five searched locations showed no consistency with their registered business types, which were listed as computer or machinery services or other business forms. Instead, the premises were residential houses or located in densely populated communities. Investigations will continue into company registrations, auditors, and other related persons to determine whether anyone assisted in registering companies linked to criminal activities.
The final group involves money laundering. At a property in Songkhla province covering about 1.8 rai, previously seized by the Anti-Money Laundering Office, recent searches found structures consistent with the timeline of financial transactions under investigation in the special case. Investigators seized and froze three buildings on the property. Additionally, brand-name handbags and app-based communications linked to politicians and gambling, as well as activities to generate income lawfully—such as tax filings—were found, involving associates close to the politician. The searches corroborate prior asset seizures by the Anti-Money Laundering Office, including vehicles sold in stages. During the search, vehicle owners linked closely to the local politician were found. Besides vehicles, various communications and assets in digital currency or peer-to-peer forms were discovered. Investigations will continue, and if evidence suffices, further arrest warrants will be sought.