Ruttapon denied whitewashing Suchada and plans to invite Idear’s husband, Rom, and Sirichok to provide information for the case files to ensure fairness for both parties. He confirmed that DSI initiated the investigation independently because it involves a criminal offense.
At 09:35 on 20 Oct 2026 GMT+7. Police Lieutenant General Ruttapon Nawarat, Minister of Justice. He gave an interview at the Government House regarding Ms. Suchada Sang Thanthap, also known as Idear, an MP from Chaiyaphum representing the Bhumjaithai Party, along with her husband Taiyang Sang, who met with investigators from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) after being linked to a scammer and online gambling network through shareholding in the gambling website shuffle.com. He said DSI opened the investigation on 8 October. On 19 October, DSI, together with the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), the Central Investigation Bureau, and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), held a meeting to discuss case details and coordinate their work. Another meeting is scheduled for Monday, 26 October. Today, Ms. Suchada and her husband met with DSI investigators.
When asked about the conditions for the case to be accepted as a special case, Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttapon said they opened the investigation on 8 October and have gathered substantial evidence. The agencies involved have shared evidence and discussed the matter. DSI will invite Ms. Suchada’s husband, as well as Rangsiman Rom, a party-list MP from the People’s Party, and Sirichok Sopa, a former Democrat Party MP, to provide additional testimony. Whether the case will be designated special is still under investigation and subject to further conditions.
Regarding initial investigation points, Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttapon said the inquiry focuses on work operations, while asset issues fall under the relevant agencies’ responsibility. When asked if Suchada’s claim that her husband sold shares linked to the gambling website would still require investigation, he said they must verify the facts clearly to respond to the public accurately. The related agencies have not been idle and have been investigating since 8 October.
Asked whether DSI initiated the case on its own or if there was a complaint, the Minister of Justice said DSI opened the case independently as it involves a criminal offense that can be pursued on its own. Previously, they only requested anyone with evidence to submit it to clarify the facts. When asked about suspicions of whitewashing Suchada and her husband, Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttapon said the agencies must gather evidence and invite those with evidence to provide information for the case, which he believes is the fairest approach for both sides.
Regarding whether money laundering is part of DSI’s investigation, Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttapon said he had previously stated that any matter related to Thai law will be handled accordingly. He did not comment on gambling matters as other laws may apply, but if any violations of Thai law are found, they will take action. He reaffirmed his previous statements.