MP Ratchanok Unveils Massive WVO Lottery Corruption and Money Laundering Scheme

The corruption case involving the lottery quota of the War Veterans Organization of Thailand (WVO) has been exposed by MPs from the People’s Party, namely Ratchanok Srinork and Thanadej Pengsuk, who jointly presented evidence linking the wrongdoing to both internal officials and external business groups. What was originally intended to benefit veterans and disabled ex-servicemen has allegedly become a lucrative “gold mine” for influential gray networks.

The lottery quota allocated to the WVO by the Government Lottery Office (GLO) was established to support veterans, disabled soldiers, and their families by providing them with a steady source of income.

WVO’s Objectives

1.) Create employment and income for ex-servicemen and their families.

2.) Fund WVO welfare programs and related activities.

3.) Provide social and financial assistance to veterans and those affected by war.

In addition, this mechanism also serves as a vital economic pillar for the organization, enabling it to continue its mission of veteran welfare without relying solely on the national budget.

The WVO receives 10,988 lottery books per draw, equivalent to 1,098,800 tickets per month, or over 26 million tickets annually.

Divided into two categories

1.) 4,235 books (423,500 tickets) allocated to the Veterans Association for Disabled Soldiers of Thailand.

2.) 6,735 books (673,500 tickets) managed by the WVO Lottery and Cigarette Distribution Office, which has now become the core of the corruption allegations involving name-for-hire and proxy sales.

According to MP Ratchanok, the massive number of tickets was distributed through the WVO’s distribution office, which effectively functioned as a “major wholesaler”. Many veterans and disabled persons had their names forged or rented to receive the quota on their behalf, which was then resold at inflated market prices. Some veterans were unaware that their identities were being used, while others were allegedly paid to stay silent.

Investigations by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) also uncovered that the Blind Sports Association of Thailand had resold tickets to non-members, an act that violates GLO regulations.

The WVO purchases lottery tickets at 70.40 baht each, while the market resale price can reach 120 baht. This 49.60-baht difference per ticket has become the main source of profit for corrupt groups.
It is estimated that selling 200,000 tickets per round could yield 8 million baht in profit, or about 16 million baht monthly. In stark contrast, actual veterans and disabled beneficiaries reportedly earn only 2.10 baht per ticket, exposing the severe income inequality between those who truly deserve support and those exploiting the system.

MP Ratchanok further claimed that this quota manipulation has been used as a money-laundering channel for scam syndicates. Criminal groups allegedly buy lottery winnings to turn illegal funds into “clean” money, later spent on luxury cars, houses, and charitable foundations. She stated, “From scamming disabled lottery sellers, to farmers’ funds and irrigation budgets, all these frauds lead back to the same powerful center that dominates the system.”

The exposure also touched on an “influential border hero influencer,” described as the “big red-eyed figure,” allegedly linked to one of the “Lottery Tigers”, influential figures in Thailand’s lottery trade. Ratchanok even tagged Gun Jompalang, an activist influencer, seeking information about the disabled lottery fraud network, but was rebuffed with a sarcastic response, “I can’t provide details, I’m busy doing good deeds.” She later voiced concern that her investigation might make her a target, “I fear I might be silenced for revealing this truth.”

In response, MP Pai Leeke, Secretary-General of the Kla Tham Party, countered that Ratchanok’s accusations lacked evidence, calling them “politically motivated attacks” that dishearten genuine volunteers. He announced that he would launch a counter-investigation into Ratchanok’s conduct, arguing that opposition MPs should scrutinize the government, not private citizens.

Meanwhile, MP Thanadej released financial documents showing suspicious deposits totaling 22 million baht (February 2023) and another 17 million baht linked to organizations distributing lottery quotas, further substantiating the allegations of systematic corruption and quota hijacking.

Copywriter: Siam Associated Press (SAP) Editorial Department
Pictures: Some illustrations come from the Internet. If there is any infringement, please contact us to delete it.
Source of material: official media /online news