Politics Thai Authorities Probe 1,200 in Money Laundering Linked to Senate Vote-Rigging

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Thai authorities are investigating approximately 1,200 suspects for their involvement in money laundering tied to vote-rigging activities during last year's Senate elections. This joint inquiry by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Election Commission (EC) seeks to unravel complex financial transactions linked to illegal election practices.

 

DSI spokesman Pol Maj Woranan Srilam announced on Tuesday that both bodies are focused on uncovering the financial trails associated with money acquired through unlawful means. This scrutiny extends to transactions conducted before, during, and after the June Senate elections, with a view to exposing any operation running on illegal income, a breach under the Anti-Money Laundering Act.

 

Pol Maj Woranan explained, "When money is acquired by such an organisation, it is deemed to be linked with money laundering practices." He further stated that those supporting vote-rigging activities will also face charges under the provisions of the Anti-Money Laundering Act. The DSI is poised to summon the suspects to acknowledge charges and offer their explanations regarding the financial transactions uncovered.

 

The DSI, working alongside the EC, is also considering the broader implications of these violations. The EC is tasked with determining potential disqualifications for the involved individuals and may ask the Supreme Court to revoke their election rights.

 

In the latest developments of the investigation, Pol Maj Woranan revealed that six of the 53 senators alleged to be involved received summonses on May 9, marking the first stage of the inquiry’s escalation. These senators include Alongkot Vorakee, Chokchai Kittithanesuan, Jirasak Chookhwamdee, Pibulat Haruehanprakan, Wuttichart Kalyanamitra, and Phisut Rattanawong.

 

DSI director-general Pol Maj Yutthana Praedam confirmed that the EC had approved the initial round of summonses, which were subsequently delivered to the suspects' residences in Bangkok.

 

As the investigation progresses, authorities remain resolute in their efforts to tackle this significant case, aiming to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and ensure justice is served against those engaging in unlawful financial activities.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-14

 

 

[Mavideol]

I am sure they will found the majority to be from the FFP or the MFP, they don't want them to be around on any future elections, none from Thaksin or Anutin parties