Chaiyachon revealed clear financial trails involving 10 politicians connected to gambling websites, scammers, and drugs. He hinted more names will gradually be disclosed and asked to wait for the Minister of Justice’s update. He affirmed that this is necessary work, supported by evidence and leads, and is not related to political games during the election period.
At 09:55 on 9 Jan 2026 at the Ministry of Finance, Chaiyachon Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, spoke about the case where Police Lieutenant General Rutthapon Naowarat, Minister of Justice, announced discovering a database of about 10 politicians, including former MPs and candidates, involved with gambling sites, scammers, and drugs. He said to wait for the Minister of Justice to provide further updates, as everything is under fact-checking and requires additional proof.
When asked whether these include current MPs who recently left office as well as current candidates, Chaiyachon said there are current candidates and people who were formerly MPs.
When asked if he could reveal approximately how many people, Chaiyachon said it’s better to wait and see, but there are more than one party involved. For the timing of disclosure, he said to ask the Minister of Justice when ready. Initially, evidence and financial trails have been found. When asked if the upcoming announcement will have clear evidence, he confirmed it will be clear; otherwise, he would not speak. Actually, much remains unclear, but they will only reveal what is clearly proven before addressing the public. When asked to confirm if the clear evidence refers to financial trails, he said yes, it is the financial trail.
When asked if it involves 10 people, Chaiyachon said those already proven are subject to further expansion. When asked if more names will be gradually disclosed, Chaiyachon said, "Yes."
When asked if this situation during the upcoming election will have any impact, Chaiyachon said he believes it is unrelated to timing. If they find evidence during checks, they must proceed. Elections do not mean they cannot act. He said this would be a problem in the justice process if leads are found but no action is taken, as it would provide opportunities to evade or clean oneself. Therefore, in terms of justice processes, especially regarding scammers or dirty money, actions must proceed whenever leads are found.
When asked if this is not a political tactic to undermine opponents, Chaiyachon said no, though people may interpret it differently. As current officials, they have the responsibility to act. If they do not, it would be neglect of duty. The timing is coincidental because there is an election, but if the parliament had not been dissolved, it would be regular duty. Still, the situation may appear otherwise due to timing.
When asked if the Ministry of Digital Economy will participate in this operation, Chaiyachon said no; they already contributed by collecting and submitting all available information. Further expansion and evidence verification depend on how the Department of Special Investigation proceeds and whom they consider appropriate to invite for additional checks. He is still gathering all possible information, including data from Singapore.
When asked if this during the election period raises political questions, Chaiyachon said he believes it is not political but about correctness and fairness. When crimes occur and there is evidence, action must be taken. As he said, if during elections there is illegal activity with evidence and leads but no action or verification, that would be illogical.