Rome Exposes Gambling Share Scandal Implicating DE Minister
People's Party MP Rangsiman Rome alleges Bhumjaithai MP Suchada Sa-ng held a 1.47% stake in a gambling website while serving as secretary to the Digital Economy Minister, raising conflict-of-interest concerns. Rome questions why the ministry blocked nearly a million sites but not the one linked to Suchada, suggesting possible misuse of authority that could implicate Minister Chaiyachanok Chidchob. The case has been referred to the Department of Special Investigation, with potential charges including money laundering if the gambling operation is deemed illegal.
People's Party list MP and deputy leader Rangsiman 'Rome' gave an interview at the new Parliament building at 1:15 p.m. on October 20, 2026, after Bhumjaithai Chaiyaphum MP Suchada Sa-ng, accompanied by her husband Thayang Sa-ng, went to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to explain her husband's gambling website shareholding.
Rome said new information from Suchada raises two issues. First, the shareholding is not 1% but 1.47%. Second, if she had sold the shares before becoming an MP, that would normally be the first thing she would mention. He questioned why she waited so long to speak, making it appear as if she only recently thought of the explanation or consulted someone, undermining the credibility of her latest statement.
Even if a sale occurred, Rome said extensive proof is needed: who bought the shares, when, when money was transferred, and the form of payment — all requiring further verification. Any attempt to cover up would worsen the situation.
Rome highlighted that Suchada served as secretary to Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiyachanok Chidchob, who has publicly campaigned against gambling websites. By filing her asset declaration upon taking the secretary post, Suchada effectively confirmed she held the gambling shares while in that position — a role with authority over blocking such sites.
Rome asked why the ministry blocked nearly one million websites but not the gambling site linked to Suchada, suggesting possible misuse of authority for overlapping benefit or protection of a connected gambling network. This could constitute dereliction of duty and may not end with Suchada alone but could reach Minister Chaiyachanok as ministry head.
"So what Suchada thinks will end the matter by saying she sold the shares — it doesn't end," Rome said. "It becomes a point confirming that while you were Chaiyachanok's secretary, you were involved with a gambling website, you had authority to block gambling sites, you may have blocked competitors but not the one linked to yourself."
He said the next step is to investigate whether authority was misused. If the gambling site is illegal, further charges could follow, including money laundering, both criminal and civil.
Asked whether Suchada's disappearance for a week before cooperating with DSI suggested she was preparing a defense, Rome said he did not wish to speculate.
