Justice Minister Denies Whitewashing, Orders DS to Question MP’s Husband
Justice Minister Ruttiphon Naowarat denied whitewashing allegations in the case involving MP Suchada Sang Thanatrap and her husband’s suspected links to an online gambling and scam network. He said the Department of Special Investigation has been investigating since October 8 and will question the couple, along with MPs Rangsiman Rom and Sirichok Sopa. Whether the case will be accepted as a special investigation remains under review.
At 08:40 on October 20, 2026, at Government House, Justice Minister Ruttiphon Naowarat spoke about the case of MP Suchada Sang Thanatrap and her husband Taiyang Sang, who had clarified with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) regarding suspicions that the husband may be linked to a scammer network and an online gambling operation. He said DSI opened the investigation on October 8. On October 19 a working group comprising DSI, the Central Investigation Bureau, the Technology Crime Suppression Division, and the Anti‑Money Laundering Office met to discuss the details and will meet again on October 26. The minister noted that Suchada had met with investigators that morning. When asked about the investigation’s scope, he said the priority is gathering evidence, which has already been collected substantially, and that information from all relevant agencies will be consolidated. DSI will invite Suchada, her husband, Rangsiman Rom, and Sirichok Sopa for questioning or to provide any additional evidence. Regarding her claim that her husband sold his 1% share, he said the facts must be verified to inform the public accurately, and the responsible agencies are not complacent. When asked whether DSI initiated the case itself or in response to a complaint, he said DSI opened it on its own because it is a criminal offense they can act on, and they will draw evidence from multiple sources to clarify the situation. Pressed on whether the case involves damages exceeding 300 million baht, thus qualifying as a special investigation, he said that determination is part of the ongoing investigation and will depend on the legal criteria to be reviewed. On concerns of whitewashing, he said proving such a claim requires evidence gathering and witness testimony to be included in the case file, which they have compiled for clarity. He added that any matters related to Thai law will be examined; previously he had avoided discussing gambling because other laws might apply, but now they will consider all relevant domestic legislation, and if any violation is found they will proceed accordingly.
