Lao bank seeks action over Thai social media claims

Representatives of Laos and Lao Development Bank (LDB) have asked Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) to examine social-media allegations that the bank was involved in laundering money for scam networks and illegal businesses.

The request was discussed in Bangkok on 31 July 2026, when delegates from Laos' National Coordination Committee on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism, alongside LDB representatives, met senior Thai police officers.

They met Lieutenant General Nattasak Chaowanasai, commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), and Major General Saruti Kwangsopha, the bureau's deputy commissioner. The meeting concerned possible legal action against people behind three social-media accounts.

Claims link bank to scam and gambling groups

According to the Lao delegation, posts on the three accounts alleged that LDB had helped launder money through payment gateway channels for scammer groups, online gambling operations and other illegal businesses.

The allegations have caused damage to the bank, its executives and Laos, the delegation said.

Lt Gen Nattasak said the CIB had assigned officers to gather evidence and establish the facts. Investigators will consider whether the online activity amounts to an offence under Thai law.

If wrongdoing is found, police will proceed through the legal process, he said. No finding on the facts of the allegations against LDB was announced following the meeting.

Picture courtesy of Thaitabloid

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3 August 2026

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