Thai MP faces scrutiny over alleged ties to online gambling

A House committee has summoned Chonnaphat Naksua, a Klatham Party MP for Songkhla.

Thailand.- A Thai parliamentary committee has summoned Songkhla MP Chonnaphat Naksue of the Kla Tham Party to respond to allegations linking him to online gambling operations. The move follows the temporary seizure of 69 assets worth THB159m (US$4.9m) by the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO).

The investigation, led by Rangsiman Rome, deputy leader of the opposition People’s Party and chairman of the House Committee on National Security, Border Affairs, National Strategy, and National Reform, will examine whether Chonnaphat acted alone or as part of a broader political-financial network. Rome said the seized assets might represent only a portion of the MP’s assets. The seizure, approved under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, is valid for up to 90 days.

Chonnaphat has denied any wrongdoing, insisting that previous investigations into his alleged ties to gambling websites had already been resolved. He also rejected claims that his relatives or associates transferred illicit funds on his behalf.

This is not the first time the MP has faced scrutiny. In 2022, while serving as president of Nakhon Si United Football Club, Chonnaphat was arrested for allegedly running an online gambling operation handling over THB1bn (US$30m) in transactions. He was later released on bail and went on to win an election under the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) before joining Kla Tham.

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A House committee has summoned Chonnaphat Naksua, a Klatham Party MP for Songkhla. Thailand.- A Thai parliamentary committee has summoned Songkhla MP Chonnaphat Naksue of the Kla Tham Party to…