Party leadership stresses transparency, legal due process, and the distinction between regulated gaming policy debates and alleged criminal activity.
Thailand.- The leader of Thailand’s People’s Party has reiterated the party’s strict zero-tolerance stance toward what it defines as “grey-area” activities after the arrest of one of its election candidates over alleged links to an online gambling operation. The move underscores the growing political sensitivity around online gambling enforcement in Thailand, particularly as authorities intensify scrutiny of unlicensed digital platforms.
Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, head of the People’s Party, held an urgent press conference following the detention of Ratchapong Soisuwan, a 32-year-old candidate and incumbent MP for Tak province’s Constituency 2. Ratchapong was arrested by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau on allegations that include organising illegal online gambling activities and laundering related proceeds through multiple bank accounts.
According to Natthaphong, the party learned of the arrest late in the evening through the candidate’s legal counsel and acted immediately by suspending him from all party activities and withdrawing political support. The People’s Party confirmed that it will not seek a replacement candidate for the constituency ahead of the February 8 election, effectively conceding the seat.
At the press conference, Natthaphong emphasised that the party does not shield members from legal accountability, regardless of their position. He stated that all individuals accused of wrongdoing must proceed through the judicial process to establish their innocence or guilt, and that political affiliation will not interfere with law enforcement actions.
The People’s Party has positioned itself publicly as an opponent of “grey capital” and criminal networks, a term frequently used in Thailand to describe illicit or semi-legal financial activity. While online gambling remains illegal under current Thai law, the case has also reignited discussion around enforcement challenges in the digital gambling space, particularly the distinction between regulated gaming policy debates and alleged criminal conduct.
Party leadership stresses transparency, legal due process, and the distinction between regulated gaming policy debates and alleged criminal activity. Thailand.- The leader of Thailand’s People’s Party has reiterated the party’s…
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