Bangkok: The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has disclosed the ongoing investigation into 1,200 cases of collusion in money laundering involving the Senate. DSI emphasized the need for meticulous handling of these cases as they pertain to criminal offenses, unlike the Election Commission (EC) cases, which mainly focus on proving innocence, fairness, and candidate disqualification. The DSI confirmed its collaborative efforts with the EC in this matter.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Col. Woranan Srilam, spokesperson for the DSI, provided updates on the prosecution progress related to the collusion in senator selection. He mentioned that the EC had recently issued summonses to 53 senators, instructing them to submit statements in document form. If any senators wish to provide additional information or if the EC issues further summonses, DSI officers, who have previously collaborated with the EC, will participate in the hearings. This collaboration aims to enrich the case files of secret societies and money laundering currently under DSI scrutiny.
Regarding the possibility of pressing charges against senators for money laundering and secret society involvement by the end of May, Pol. Lt. Col. Woranan highlighted the distinct roles of the EC and DSI. The EC's legal framework focuses on innocence, fairness, and disqualification, whereas the DSI's responsibilities involve handling criminal offenses with care, including evidence collection and allowing the accused to present counter-evidence before concluding cases. He stated that over 1,200 individuals linked to the money trail have been interrogated. While not confirming whether charges will be filed by the end of May, he assured that the officers are diligently working to their full capacity.