Bangkok: The Anti-Money Laundering Committee is actively investigating a case involving a football club connected to an online gambling website. Chairman Lertsak Pattanachaikul has emphasized the importance of transparency and the rule of law in dealing with influential groups.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Lertsak Pattanachaikul, who leads the House Committee on Anti-Money Laundering and Narcotics, chaired a meeting to gather facts about the former president of Nakhon Si United Football Club, accused of money laundering through an online gambling network. The meeting also addressed concerns about the prosecutor’s decision not to pursue charges, despite police recommendations to prosecute. Mr. Danupon Punnakanta, Vice Chairman, Mr. Nont Paisal Limcharoenkit, committee members, and representatives from the Attorney General and the Royal Thai Police were present to clarify the prosecution’s stance.
Key figures such as Pol. Maj. Gen. Surapong Thaiprasert from the Technology Crime Suppression Division, Pol. Col. Worachat Roschan from the Songkhla Provincial Police, and senior prosecutors provided insights into the legal proceedings. The sensitivity of this case, given its public interest, was underscored, highlighting the necessity for unbiased evidence evaluation, financial tracing, and asset seizure. Comparisons were drawn between this case and another involving Lamphun Warriors, where assets worth 671 million baht were seized, contrasting the silence regarding Nakhon Si United’s case.
Despite similar allegations linking the former Nakhon Si United president to online gambling, no asset seizure or legal progress has been observed. Committee members questioned the Royal Thai Police representatives about the prosecutor’s decision not to proceed, seeking clarity on how this diverged from the investigators’ recommendations. Questions were raised about the sufficiency of evidence, the rationale behind the prosecutor’s decision, and whether the investigators’ findings could be challenged.
Further inquiries were made into regional commander’s objections to the non-indictment decision and the consistency of reasoning with investigators’ recommendations. The committee also scrutinized the reporting of Mr. Chanonpat’s arrest cases to AMLO and the agency’s follow-up on investigations into associated individuals and financial assets. They sought to understand the next steps for the police if prosecution is not pursued, the current investigation status, and any encountered obstacles.
The Attorney General’s representatives were asked about the post-objection legal process, the role of other agencies within the Office of the Attorney General in screening the case, and the timeframe for consideration. The legal responsibility of the Attorney General in resolving discrepancies between prosecutor and National Police Chief opinions was also examined.
The case is segmented into two parts; one involving the president of Lamphun Warrior Football Club, where asset seizure orders were issued, and another involving the former president of Nakhon Si United, charged under the Online Gambling Act and Computer Crimes Act, but not indicted by the Songkhla Provincial Prosecutor. The review and monitoring of these cases continue, with some cases concluded and others pending.
Mr. Lertsak concluded that the primary concern is the prosecutor’s non-indictment decision, which contradicts the investigator’s recommendation for indictment. The committee insists on transparency and public explanation to prevent doubts about the judicial process. They pledge commitment to transparency and scrutiny, ensuring vital cases impacting public trust are not overlooked. The committee stands firm on confronting influences, affirming that no one is above the law, and that thorough investigations into money laundering are essential to prevent criminal enterprise growth.