Appeals Court Acquits Long Choo Somchai in Gambling Case
The Appeals Court acquitted businessman Somchai Chutikittidecha, known as 'Long Choo Somchai,' and most of his co-defendants in a money laundering and illegal gambling case, citing insufficient evidence. The court also ordered a partial return of seized assets, while one relative received a reduced one-year prison sentence. Somchai expressed relief, saying the ruling brings justice after years of asset freezes and financial hardship.
The Appeals Court upheld the lower court's acquittal of Somchai Chutikittidecha and most of the defendants, ruling that the evidence was insufficient to prove money laundering and illegal gambling. This marks the third time the appellate court has dismissed such charges, resulting in all previous gambling and money laundering cases against the group being thrown out. The court also ordered the return of some seized assets. While Somchai and the majority of co-defendants were cleared, the second defendant—his sister-in-law—was sentenced to one year in prison, reduced from five years due to six months already served, leaving an actual term of four months; her lawyers have filed for bail pending a further appeal to the Supreme Court. After hearing the verdict, Somchai said he felt relieved, describing the decision as a measure of justice after years of asset freezes, bank account seizures, and inability to earn a living. He maintained he had no involvement in money laundering from gambling operations. The case originated several years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic when a special task force from the Provincial Administration Department and the Police Bureau of Investigation raided a gambling den in Mabtaput subdistrict, Mueang district, Rayong province, leading to an expanded investigation and arrest warrant for Somchai on money laundering and gambling-related charges that became national news. Over the years, Somchai and his family have fought the case; now both the trial and appellate courts have acquitted them. Going forward, the family awaits any possible Supreme Court appeal, while hoping to resume normal life and work.
