Bangkok: Central Investigation Bureau police apprehended Ms. Banyen, known as 'Mother of Sia Po,' at a luxury residence in the Phutthamonthon Sai 2 area, on charges related to online gambling activities. The arrest follows a warrant dating back to 2021 for her alleged involvement in orchestrating illegal gambling and money laundering operations. Another woman, Ms. Phrukchat, was also arrested in connection with the case. According to Thai News Agency, the operation was led by the Crime Suppression Division, which found Ms. Banyen hiding behind a sofa in the residence. She faces charges of organizing unauthorized gambling activities on electronic media, money laundering, and related offenses. Ms. Banyen had previously evaded arrest by altering her identity and claiming to be a housewife under the alias 'Busaba.' The investigation revealed Ms. Banyen's involvement in managing a bank account that facilitated the transfer of funds from an online gambling website. The operation involved 31 individuals who were r eportedly responsible for organizing online gambling and handling financial transactions from gamblers. Arrest warrants were issued for all suspects, including Mr. Sia Po and over 20 others associated with him, while four suspects remain at large, having fled abroad. The authorities found Ms. Banyen using a pseudonym and residing in a luxury villa to avoid detection. During the arrest operation, she attempted to escape by climbing the back fence but eventually surrendered when surrounded by police. Evidence, including a photo of her ID card on her phone, confirmed her identity. Ms. Phrukchat, 31, was found hiding in a bedroom and also arrested based on an existing warrant. Both women were taken into custody and have denied all charges, claiming they were merely players and not organizers of the online gambling activities. Legal proceedings are underway as authorities continue their investigation into the network.
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