Minister of Justice reveals “Idea” and her husband have provided statements to the DSI

Today (20 October 2026) at 8:37 a.m, at Government House, Police Lieutenant General Rutthaphon Naowarat, Minister of Justice, spoke regarding the case of Ms. Suchada Sang-Thaensap a Bhumjaithai Party MP for Chaiyaphum and her husband, Mr. Taiyang Sang. The couple met with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) earlier this morning following suspicions that the husband might be linked to a network of scammers and online gambling operations. The Minister noted that the DSI initiated an investigation into the matter on October 8. On October 19, a joint task force comprising the DSI, the Central Investigation Bureau, the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) met to review the details of the case. Another meeting is scheduled for October 26. The minister also confirmed that Ms. Suchada met with DSI investigators today.

When asked about the framework for the investigation, Police Lieutenant General Rutthaphon stated that the process currently hinges on the collection of evidence. We have been handling this matter since October 8 and have already gathered a substantial amount of evidence. We are now at the stage of consolidating information from various agencies. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) intends to summon Ms. Suchada and her husband, as well as Rangsiman Rome a party-list MP from the People's Party and former Democrat Party MP Sirichok Sopha, for questioning. They may also submit any additional evidence they possess to be included in the case file.

When asked about Ms. Suchada’s claim that her husband had already sold his 1% stake in the shares, Police Lieutenant General Rutthaphon stated that a thorough verification is necessary to clarify the facts for the public; the relevant agencies are certainly not taking this matter lightly.

In response to a question regarding whether the DSI initiated the case itself or acted upon a complaint, Police Lieutenant General Rutthaphon explained that the DSI opened the case on its own initiative, as it involves a criminal offense that falls within our jurisdiction. We are currently gathering evidence from various sources to ensure full clarity.

When pressed on whether the case was classified as a “special case” because the damages exceeded 300 million baht, Police Lieutenant General Rutthaphon noted that this is currently a matter of ongoing investigation, and whether it formally qualifies as a “special case” will depend on specific criteria that remain to be assessed.

Addressing concerns that this process might serve as a “whitewashing” exercise, Police Lieutenant General Rutthaphon emphasized that the collection of evidence and the summoning of witnesses for the case file are intended to ensure the utmost fairness for all parties involved. All gathered evidence will be incorporated into the file to provide complete clarity.

When asked about the points requiring further investigation, Police Lieutenant General Rutthaphon stated that he had already clarified which matters fall under the scope of Thai law. He noted that he had not previously mentioned gambling specifically, as other legal provisions might also apply; therefore, he indicated that the scope of the inquiry would be broadened if any actions violate relevant Thai laws, the authorities will certainly take action.

Photo : Weeraphat Ratsameerueangrong