On September 16, Achareeya Ruangratanapong, the chairman of a renowned anti-crime association in Thailand, formally submitted evidence to the Bangkok police, accusing some officers of misconduct during an investigation into an online gambling case. The documents show that the case involved an amount of 22 million Thai Baht, which may indicate broader issues with law enforcement procedures.
According to the complaint, the incident originated from a multi-department law enforcement operation on September 4, 2025. The Thai Cyber Crime Investigation Department, together with the Special Operations Group of the Seventh Police District, Nakhon Pathom Police Station, and Ratchaburi City Police Station, conducted an investigation into an online gambling platform in the Chiang Mai area. A total of 78 officers participated in the operation and signed the relevant law enforcement documents.
The complainant alleges that some officers involved in the investigation demanded money from the subjects under investigation, promising not to pursue further responsibilities after receiving the payments. It is reported that the money was handed over at a club in the Chokchai area of Bangkok and a venue in Nakhon Pathom, totaling 22 million Thai Baht. An additional 10 million Thai Baht was also demanded for other purposes.
Unable to meet these financial demands, the subjects under investigation eventually sought help from the anti-crime association, hoping to resolve the matter through legal channels. Chairman Achareeya stated that such phenomena might have existed in the law enforcement system for a long time, with the cumulative amount involved possibly exceeding 100 million Thai Baht, and called for a thorough investigation by the relevant departments.
The Bangkok police officials have formally received all the complaint materials and stated that they will report to the command department for further processing according to procedures. The police emphasized that they will handle the matter in accordance with the law and regulations, ensuring the fairness and transparency of law enforcement procedures.
This incident has once again drawn public attention to the law enforcement oversight mechanisms. Analysts point out that establishing effective internal and external review mechanisms is crucial for maintaining the credibility of law enforcement. As the investigation deepens, this case may become an important example for improving the law enforcement oversight system in Thailand.
