The People’s Party has reiterated its hardline stance against criminal activity following the arrest of one of its MP candidates for alleged links to an online gambling network.
The statement came after Ratchapong Soisuwan, running in Tak’s constituency 2, was detained by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau on January 14. His lawyer notified the party of the arrest late the night before.
According to reports from The Nation, party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut held an urgent press briefing on January 15, stressing that the party follows a strict policy of zero tolerance toward corruption, drug trafficking, human trafficking, grey capital, scamming and online gambling. He emphasised that no member would be protected if found involved in such activities, regardless of seniority.
Natthaphong said any individual facing accusations must undergo full legal proceedings to clear their name. He noted that the party’s Disciplinary Committee had previously taken firm action in other cases, including the expulsion of a former MP over allegations of sexual harassment. The approach, he said, reflects the party’s commitment to transparency and public accountability.
He also urged authorities to intensify efforts to pursue politicians with criminal connections, adding that these investigations should be free of political interference and not exploited as election tools. Genuine enforcement, he said, is required to restore trust in the political system.
Ratchapong has been charged with organising illegal gambling through electronic media without authorisation and with conspiracy to commit money laundering. He was arrested in Bangkok’s Bueng Kum area. A former MP for Tak, he was seeking to return to Parliament in the upcoming election.
Ratchapong previously served as an MP for Tak before seeking re-election in the same district
