The Justice Minister and cyber police are jointly working to prevent and suppress illicit funding supporting politicians during the 2026 election, confirming that no politician or political party has been found involved with online gambling websites, scammers, or illicit money. They are conducting equal investigations across all political parties.
At 10:00 a.m. on 6 January 2026, at the conference room of the Technology Crime Suppression Division headquarters in Muang Thong Thani, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi Province, Police Lieutenant General Rutthapon Naowarat, Minister of Justice, Police Lieutenant General Surapol Prembutr, Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, along with cyber police officers and Ministry of Justice officials held a meeting on proactive operations to prevent and suppress illicit funding supporting politicians during the 2026 general election, affirming equal scrutiny of all parties.
Police Lieutenant General Rutthapon revealed that today's meeting involved reviewing and monitoring operations, including general and key cases, as well as encouraging all personnel. He emphasized that as the prime ministerial election approaches, the greatest concern is scammers and online gambling causing significant problems for the public. Discussions also included special policy advisors, focusing on illicit money around the election. Cyber police have been instructed to closely monitor to prevent candidates from engaging with illicit funds, as all candidates, once elected, will govern the country. Cyber police across all areas have been ordered to vigilantly watch for any MPs involved with online gambling, scammers, or illicit money and report these cases to their superiors.
Currently, no politician or political party has been found involved. It was affirmed that all political parties will be investigated equally. The public is also encouraged to report any leads related to wrongdoing by MPs or political parties directly to cyber police, the responsible agency, for legal action.
This initiative is the first government order establishing a subcommittee to suppress technology crimes, chaired by the Minister of Justice. The Prime Minister has instructed the minister and cyber police commander to coordinate strictly in suppression efforts, emphasizing the high importance of this issue.
Regarding the recent conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, during which the military destroyed several suspected scammer bases, reporters asked how many locations or buildings had been destroyed. Police Lieutenant General Rutthapon said he had not yet received exact figures. Cyber police have been stationed at border checkpoints to monitor individuals returning to Thailand to determine if they are involved in crimes or part of scammer gangs.
When asked about information on scammers relocating their bases, Police Lieutenant General Rutthapon stated that some have returned to Thailand, while others have moved to new locations away from Poipet city. He provided preliminary information, noting that the exact new locations are under verification. It is known that scammers primarily focus on deceiving Thai people. Cyber police have continuously conducted public awareness campaigns on this matter.
Asked whether destroying these bases has reduced fraud cases, Police Lieutenant General Rutthapon stated that while fraud trends remain high and are increasing, the financial damage has decreased. He noted that, according to recent data presented by the cyber police commander, investment scams rank fifth or sixth in occurrence but cause the highest financial losses.
Regarding the VIP prison issue, Police Lieutenant General Rutthapon said he has submitted related case information to the National Anti-Corruption Commission within the required timeframe. He instructed the personnel department to raise the issue. Although a recent submission was made, it was sent back for revision as some viewed the card involved as a forgery. He clarified it is not a forgery. Since complaints have been received, the matter requires thorough investigation. Multiple complaints have been filed, including one to the Prime Minister.