MP Rom Accuses Minister of 40 Million Baht Bribe Offer
MP Rangsiman Roman accused Digital Economy Minister Chaiyachok Chidchob of being offered a 40‑million‑baht monthly bribe to ignore online scam and gambling operations, alleging the bribe was mediated through an aide to a Bhumjaithai MP. He questioned the timeline of the minister’s disclosure, noting the alleged offer came after his appointment, and demanded evidence or action. The minister replied that the matter had already been discussed in various committees.
During the parliamentary session on October 1, 2026, MP Rangsiman Roman raised an interpellation concerning a reported 40‑million‑baht bribe offered to a minister to refrain from cracking down on online scam gangs and gambling websites. He said the bribe was proposed by a man identified only as "Mr. Q" through Chatmongkol, an aide to a Bhumjaithai Party MP named Pim from Ayutthaya. According to records, Chatmongkol discussed the matter with Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liangprasert on September 20 and September 25, and then with Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiyachok Chidchob on September 30, the day the government delivered its policy statement. Rom questioned how the alleged briber gained access to the minister’s staff and urged Chaiyachok to verify the facts, including whether Chatmongkol and Mr. Q knew each other beforehand. He noted that although Chaiyachok received his royal appointment on September 19, he made the bribe disclosure on September 30, after taking office, contradicting his claim that the offer came before his appointment. Rom added that, a year after the policy statement, the minister has not investigated whether previous digital‑economy ministers have accepted bribes from online‑gambling owners, scammers or call‑center operators, pointing out that former Minister Prasert Chanruangthong found it surprising that a newcomer is already being offered such an illegal sum. He urged the minister to follow the law, apprehend those responsible, and avoid merely talking or presenting himself as a low‑cost official. In response, Chaiyachok said the issue had already been addressed in several forums, including the committee.
