Former Ratchaburi MP faulted for alleged gambling in parliament

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has decided to ask the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Police Officer Holders to consider penalising Chaithip Kamolpanthip, a former MP from Ratchaburi province, for allegedly gambling in parliament.

NACC Secretary-General Surapong Intarathawon told the media today that they have found Chaithip guilty of a gross ethical violation by engaging in illegal gambling in an MP’s office in the parliament building.

The case dates back to January 11th, 2023, which was a normal working day for the Office of the Secretariat of the House of Representatives and for the House Committee to follow up on Budget Management, according to Surapong.

After the House committee meeting, Chaithip, a member of the committee, allegedly took part in a card game in an MP’s office on the 5th floor of the parliament building during the office hours.

According to the NACC’s findings, the group used a card table, which did not belong to the parliament complex, and allegedly used chips instead of cash, which is an illegal form of gambling in Thailand.

Chaithip’s failure to protect the image of parliament is deemed to have been a gross violation of ethical conduct, damaging the image of MPs as a whole.

If convicted by the Supreme Court, the former MP may lose his voting rights for up to ten years, which would mean that he would not be allowed to stand in any form of public election.