Around 1,200 individuals are under investigation for suspected involvement in money laundering connected to vote-rigging in last year’s Senate election, according to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).
DSI spokesman Pol Maj Woranan Srilam said on Tuesday that the investigation is being conducted in collaboration with the Election Commission (EC), focusing on irregularities surrounding the June 2023 poll.
The DSI is handling allegations that an illegal secret organisation operated behind the scenes of the election, channeling illicit funds through various means. Running such an entity, he noted, constitutes an offence under the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
“Funds obtained by this organisation are considered proceeds of money laundering,” said Pol Maj Woranan.
Authorities are now tracking financial transactions and asset flows tied to the election, covering activity at the district, provincial, and national levels, both before and after the vote.
Pol Maj Woranan added that those found to have supported vote-rigging efforts face prosecution under Sections 5 and 9 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
“An initial probe by the DSI has found that about 1,200 people are suspected of being involved in related financial transactions,” he said, adding that all will be summoned to acknowledge the charges and provide explanations.
DSI sources confirmed that the first group of suspects will be called in this month.
Meanwhile, the EC is focusing on violations of election law, determining whether any individuals should be disqualified from holding office. It also plans to ask the Supreme Court to revoke their election rights.
The DSI will continue pursuing criminal charges related to money laundering and the alleged secret group’s operations.
On May 9, both agencies issued summonses to six of the 53 senators implicated in the vote-rigging probe.
DSI director-general Pol Maj Yutthana Praedam confirmed that EC officials had approved the summonses, which were delivered to the senators’ residences in Bangkok.
The six senators named are Alongkot Vorakee, Chokchai Kittithanesuan, Jirasak Chookhwamdee, Pibulat Haruehanprakan, Wuttichart Kalyanamitra, and Phisut Rattanawong.
