A Thai woman accused of involvement in a large-scale online gambling and money laundering network linked to Pol Lt Col Wasawat Mukrasakul, known as Inspector Sua, has been returned to Thailand from South Korea. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) confirmed the 36-year-old suspect, Ms Suphawadee, was arrested on 17 March at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Samut Prakan after being extradited. Authorities say her bank accounts were used to process more than 63 million baht in illicit funds, highlighting the scale of the network’s financial activity. Get today's headlines by email Ms Suphawadee was arrested under Criminal Court warrant No. 1105/2566 on charges of organising or promoting online gambling, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and joint money laundering. The operation was conducted by the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) in cooperation with Immigration Division 2, following coordination with South Korean authorities. Her return follows the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice after she fled Thailand to avoid prosecution. The case dates back to activities between 2016 and 2017, when Ms Suphawadee was allegedly part of a nine-member network operating multiple online gambling platforms, including ibcbet, sbobet, FIFA55 and crowncasino. These websites offered a range of betting options, including football wagering, baccarat and slot games. Police allege she played a key role as a primary mule account holder, receiving transfers from gamblers to fund betting credits within the system. A detailed financial investigation identified 18,581 transactions passing through her accounts, with a total circulation of 63,981,214 baht. Investigators say the funds were subsequently transferred through layered accounts to obscure their origin and evade detection. These secondary and tertiary accounts were reportedly held by individuals connected to the “Pen Tor Group”, including company directors, shareholders and employees linked to the wider network. Following the dismantling of the gambling operation, Ms Suphawadee allegedly fled overseas, prompting Thai authorities to seek international assistance. Cooperation with South Korean law enforcement led to her detention and eventual return to Thailand. During initial questioning, she denied all charges. Senior officers overseeing the case included Pol Lt Gen Nattasak Chawanasai, Pol Maj Gen Phatthanasak Bubphasuwan, Pol Maj Gen Khathathorn Khamthiang, Pol Col Ekkasit Pansita and Pol Col Rattapong Kaewyod, who directed the investigation and arrest teams. Authorities say the case forms part of a broader crackdown on illegal online gambling networks and associated financial crimes. Matichon reported that the suspect has been handed over to investigators from Subdivision 4 of the Crime Suppression Division for further legal proceedings. Officials are continuing to investigate additional suspects and trace financial flows linked to the network. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 18 Mar 2026
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