Tracing the 'boss' behind a billion-baht money flow linked to a prominent politician in an online gambling network case, authorities raided 10 sites across four provinces, arresting a gambling website admin and uncovering evidence of more than 1 billion baht in money circulation.
In 2023, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) conducted inquiries into online crime and money laundering involving a major online gambling network. The special case 5/2023 concerns the investigation of the online gambling site “AK47MAX” on www.ak47max.com. This was a continuation of a previous DSI special case originally handled by the Narcotics Division. A total of 36 suspects were named; charges have been filed against 24 of them for jointly organizing electronic gambling, money laundering, and conspiracy by two or more persons to commit money laundering.
The other 12 suspects remain at large and are being pursued. Financial investigations revealed approximately 39 million baht linked to Mr. Chonnaphat (surname withheld), a politician. Subsequently, the DSI expanded the investigation along these financial lines and reviewed suspects previously arrested. Despite prior prosecution, these individuals continued to engage in similar criminal activities.
This ongoing illegal conduct has persisted since 2025, with an estimated money flow of about 1 billion baht. Five previously charged suspects have reoffended. This led to the establishment of special case 150/2025. The Criminal Court approved additional arrest warrants totaling 25 persons. In Mr. Chonnaphat’s case, a warrant request was made but initially issued as a summons.
On Thursday, 5 March 2026, the DSI's Technology and Information Crime Division obtained search warrants from the Criminal Court to raid targeted locations. The operation involved the Narcotics Division, the Surveillance and Intelligence Center, Special Case Operations Center Region 9, and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO).
The raids covered 10 locations: five in Songkhla province, one in Pathum Thani, two in Nonthaburi, and two in Bangkok. The operation was divided into three parts: first, to arrest suspects on warrants; second, to gather evidence related to the business operations; and third, to collect evidence concerning money laundering. This was a continuation from earlier AMLO investigations. Special case investigators arrested one suspect, Ms. Nisarath (surname withheld), in Din Daeng district, Bangkok, on charges of jointly organizing unauthorized gambling, enticing or advertising gambling participation, and money laundering.
Investigators found multiple pieces of evidence linking Mr. Chonnaphat, including voice recordings of conversations. Additionally, during a search of Mr. Chonnaphat’s residence in Songkhla province, evidence was found of conversations via applications related to online gambling and tax account manipulation, which mentioned...