Opposition MP Calls Government to Stop Whitewashing Husband’s Gambling
People’s Party MP Rangsiman Rom accused the government of rushing to clear the husband of Bhumjaithai MP Suchada Sang Thanthap over alleged online‑gambling ties, urging the spouse to appear before a parliamentary committee to explain. He said the government should investigate thoroughly before issuing a clean bill, warning that premature clearance could deter officials from probing possible wrongdoing. Rom added he is not deterred by potential lawsuits and stands ready to provide any evidence, while the committee continues to examine the matter and related asset‑declaration discrepancies.
Rangsiman Rom said he has not yet been informed whether Suchada Sang Thanthap will appear before the committee, but expects she may not attend; they have prepared either way. He stressed that inviting her offers her and her husband a chance to clarify the allegations, and any explanations given will become official documents for further action. Rom noted that many members of the public have raised concerns and that facts emerging do not match the asset declarations submitted to the National Anti‑Corruption Commission, suggesting possible links to grey‑money. He said such inquiries would benefit Suchada, but if she fails to appear the committee will continue pursuing the matter, citing the ongoing investigation into the 40‑million‑baht bribery case involving Digital Economy Minister Chaiyanon Chidchob. He described the case as an extension that must be followed to uncover all facts, and warned that suspicions are now turning toward the government because it should be investigating but instead seems to be giving a stamp of approval to the husband’s online gambling website, pointing out that many gambling sites remain accessible in Thailand despite claims of mass shutdowns. He questioned why, if the government boasts blocking millions of gambling sites, they are still reachable, calling it a failure of administration. Rom insisted that before labelling anyone as clean, the government must conduct thorough checks, otherwise it risks scaring officials away from investigating for fear of conflict with ministers. When asked if Suchada's absence is intended to pressure him to release evidence, Rom replied that discussing evidence is appropriate because under the Anti‑Money Laundering Act mere suspicion is enough for the Anti‑Money Laundering Office to investigate, and he believes suspicion is high in this case.
