Bangkok: The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has taken urgent steps to collaborate with the Royal Thai Police and the Ministry of Interior to investigate a case involving collusion and money laundering linked to the Senate. Pol. Lt. Col. Yuthana Phraedam, DSI's Director-General, issued two critical orders aimed at coordinating efforts to prevent and suppress related crimes.
According to Thai News Agency, on May 8, the Director-General of DSI, Pol. Lt. Col. Yuthana Phraedam, signed an urgent order, No. Yot 0825/1573, requesting assistance from the Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police. The request is part of an ongoing investigation under Section 21, paragraph one (1) of the Special Case Investigation Act B.E. 2547. This investigation targets a special case of collusion in money laundering by individuals or groups under Section 209 of the Criminal Code, designated as Special Case No. 24/2568.
The DSI emphasized its mission to investigate witnesses nationwide related to these special cases. The cooperation is sought to facilitate the coordination of efforts to prevent and suppress these offenses under Sections 22 and 22/1 of the Special Case Investigation Act B.E. 2547. The DSI has called on the Royal Thai Police to assist the special case investigators in carrying out these proceedings effectively.
In another development on the same day, Pol. Lt. Col. Yuthana Phraedam signed a separate urgent order, No. Yot 0825/1574, directed at the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior. This order also pertains to the request for cooperation in investigating and suppressing crimes related to special cases, similar to the one addressed to the police.
The DSI reiterated its nationwide mission to investigate witnesses and sought support under the same sections of the Special Case Investigation Act. The Permanent Secretary was urged to coordinate with the Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration and provincial governors to proceed accordingly.
Additionally, Mr. Chaiwat Junthiraphong, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, responded with an urgent letter, No. MoI 0307.1/25786, to the DSI. This letter highlighted the Department's readiness to maintain peace, order, and justice while cooperating under Section 22 of the Special Case Investigation Act B.E. 2547.
The letter addressed an incident reported on May 4, 2025, where a group identified as DSI officials visited Amnat Charoen Province to gather information on the selection of senators from former candidates. The Department of Provincial Administration expressed its willingness to cooperate with DSI in taking necessary actions, provided the requests are accompanied by proper documentation and authority.
The Department of Provincial Administration has also instructed its officers to respect constitutional rights, freedoms, and legal procedures as outlined in a confidential letter dated April 12, 2025. This directive emphasizes the importance of adhering to the Code of Criminal Procedure and related laws, ensuring the protection of individual rights during investigations.
