Thai MP Demands Probe into Stalled 40 Million Baht Bribery Allegation

Rangsiman Rome, Chairman of the House of Representatives' Committee on Law, Justice, and Human Rights, has urged relevant agencies to expedite the investigation into allegations of a monthly bribe of 40 million baht offered to the Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DE). He expressed concern that despite eight months passing since the incident, the primary suspect has not been summoned or interrogated, despite potential links to over 4,000 online gambling websites and significant money laundering activities. According to Mr. Rangsiman, the case originated when DE Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn disclosed in a parliamentary session that he had been offered a monthly bribe of 40 million baht. The minister subsequently filed a complaint with the Central Investigation Bureau, and the case was later transferred to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for further proceedings. The primary suspect, known by the nickname 'Mr. Q', is allegedly involved with over 4,000 online gambling websites and made the bribe offer through an intermediary. Mr. Rangsiman questioned the lack of progress in the investigation, noting that while the Central Investigation Bureau has interrogated the minister and several witnesses, Mr. Q has yet to be questioned or summoned. He raised concerns about the effectiveness of the police and the NACC, especially considering the potential involvement in an online gambling network and money laundering scheme involving billions of baht. Furthermore, Mr. Rangsiman pointed out that Mr. Q is not only accused of this bribe offer but is also alleged to have previously bribed officials within the DE Ministry, though no action has been taken on this front either. The bribe offer reportedly involved a payment of 10,000 baht per website per month from approximately 4,000 online gambling URLs, totaling around 40 million baht monthly. Minister Chaiwut reportedly refused the offer. He also revealed that the person who brought the matter to his attention was Mr. Worasit Liangprasit, currently a Deputy Minister of Interior, who was a Member of Parliament for Satun Province at the time of the incident. Mr. Rangsiman also questioned Mr. Worasit's capacity in this matter and why a police report was not filed immediately. He stated that the committee cannot yet conclude whether other involved individuals participated in the offense but believes a thorough investigation is warranted. Additionally, he observed that the primary suspect was not summoned for information during the internal investigation within the DE Ministry. The Central Investigation Bureau explained that they delayed issuing a summons out of concern that the suspect might not appear for questioning, a reason Mr. Rangsiman deemed inappropriate for the justice process. Mr. Rangsiman announced that the committee will follow up on the case's progress in two weeks, citing the current situation where multiple agencies appear to be shifting responsibility. He urged the NACC to act promptly within its authority and called on the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to coordinate with the NACC for information to investigate predicate offenses related to money laundering and consider asset seizure or freezing if violations are found. Source: INN News