In an assertive crackdown on fraud, corruption, and illegal activities, AMLO Thailand (Anti-Money Laundering Office) has seized over 5 billion baht in assets during 2023. As part of its extensive operations, AMLO Thailand has successfully targeted 48 cases involving financial scams, bribery by government officials, and illegal online gambling networks, showcasing its determination to root out corruption and fraud from various sectors of Thai society.
The crackdown, which includes high-profile cases linked to both public officials and private sector figures, is part of a broader campaign by Thai authorities to curb financial crime and hold those involved accountable. The agency’s swift actions have led to the confiscation of thousands of assets, ranging from cash and jewelry to land and bank accounts.
Unveiling the Scope of AMLO Thailand’s Crackdown
The results of this year’s 11th meeting of AMLO Thailand’s Transaction Committee were recently disclosed by Secretary-General Theppasu Bavornchotidara and Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) Assistant Secretary-General Bhumivisan Kasemsook. According to their report, AMLO Thailand has seized 12,300 assets valued at a staggering 4.5 billion baht in fraud cases alone. These cases span a wide spectrum, from corrupt officials accepting bribes to sophisticated financial networks engaged in stock manipulation and tax fraud.
Two key cases at the center of the operation involve public officials caught abusing their positions for personal gain. In one case, Peempong Hiranprueck, a senior civil engineer with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Public Works Department, was accused of soliciting a bribe from the owner of a golf course in the Nong Chok district. The bribe was allegedly offered in exchange for ensuring that the golf course retained most of its land during a road construction project. This case highlights how public officials have exploited their positions for financial gain and how AMLO Thailand’s investigations are reaching deep into governmental operations.
Another significant case involves Pramual Saengkaewsri, head of the Ratchathewi district office’s revenue section. He is accused of accepting bribes from business owners to allow them to avoid paying property and land taxes. The seizure of 47 million baht in assets from both Peempong and Pramual demonstrates AMLO Thailand’s determination to pursue corrupt officials at all levels of government.
The Kofuk Online Gambling Network
In addition to targeting corrupt officials, AMLO Thailand has also focused on large-scale criminal networks engaged in illegal online gambling and tax fraud. The most prominent case involves Sanga “Kofuk” Kungwan, the leader of a massive gambling network that is believed to have evaded taxes worth an astonishing 18 billion baht.
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Sanga fled earlier this year as authorities closed in on his network, which had grown into one of Thailand’s largest online gambling operations. AMLO Thailand has already confiscated 372 assets linked to Sanga and his associates, including cash, jewelry, land, and bank accounts. These assets, valued at 963 million baht, reflect the vast profits generated by Sanga’s illegal operations. Despite his escape, AMLO Thailand continues to pursue those connected to his network, signaling its intent to dismantle the infrastructure behind such criminal enterprises.
The MORE Stock Manipulation Scandal
Another headline-grabbing case revolves around the stock manipulation scandal involving Apimuk Bamrungwong, a former major shareholder of More Return Plc (MORE). Bamrungwong and his associates were allegedly involved in the fraudulent manipulation of MORE’s stock last year, resulting in financial losses amounting to 800 million baht for investors.
AMLO Thailand’s investigations have led to the seizure of 107 assets, worth a combined 3.1 billion baht, from individuals linked to these fraud cases. These cases highlight the complex financial crimes that AMLO Thailand is now equipped to address, particularly those involving influential corporate figures who have exploited loopholes in the financial system for personal gain.
Connections to Former Deputy National Police Chief
In a more controversial case, AMLO Thailand has also seized 400,000 baht in assets linked to a network of online gambling websites allegedly connected to former deputy national police chief, Pol Gen Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn. Although Surachate has sought the cancellation of the asset seizures, the case has raised questions about his potential involvement in illegal gambling operations.
A New Era of Accountability?
AMLO Thailand’s crackdown on corruption, fraud, and illegal gambling is part of a larger trend in Thailand’s fight against financial crime. With billions of baht in assets seized and key players in both the public and private sectors under investigation, this year’s operations signal a significant shift towards greater accountability.
By targeting individuals who have long benefited from systemic corruption, AMLO Thailand is not only recovering stolen assets but also sending a powerful message to other would-be offenders. While challenges remain in bringing all those involved to justice—particularly high-profile fugitives like Sanga Kungwan—the office’s success in confiscating billions in assets demonstrates that Thailand is becoming increasingly serious about tackling its deep-rooted issues with corruption and financial crime.
As these investigations unfold, it remains to be seen whether AMLO Thailand’s efforts will lead to more comprehensive reforms across the public sector, but its decisive action this year is already reshaping the fight against corruption in Thailand.
