Bangkok: Cyber police arrested "Keng Lai Prang" for promoting gambling websites. A repeat offender, he was sentenced to 4 months in prison.
According to Thai News Agency, following orders from Pol. Maj. Gen. Siriwat Deepo, Commander of Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau 1, efforts to crack down on online gambling offenses have intensified. These efforts align with the policy of Pol. Lt. Gen. Surapol Prembutra, Commander of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, focusing particularly on influencers with large followings who subtly advertise gambling websites, which sets a negative example for children and youth.
Pol. Col. Kritin Tapasilo, Superintendent of the News Analysis and Special Tools Division, dispatched an investigation team that discovered illegal activities by Mr. Jirayu, or "Keng" Lai Phrang, a well-known influencer. He was found to have disseminated videos inviting the public to gamble through an online website. The videos not only named the gambling site but also demonstrated how to gamble, openly advertising and enticing participation without fear of legal repercussions.
Further investigation revealed that cyber police conducted raids on three locations in Chiang Rai, Pathum Thani, and Bangkok in 2023, leading to the prosecution of "Keng Lai Phrang" for promoting an online gambling website. He was sentenced to imprisonment. Police Lieutenant Colonel Ritthikrai Khunthaothiam led an investigation that identified the owner of the video as Mr. Jirayu, or "Keng Lai Phrang," aged 44. Relevant evidence was gathered, and a complaint was filed, resulting in a summons for the suspect.
Mr. Jirayu appeared before investigators at Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau 1 following the summons. Police are prosecuting him for "organizing or advertising to entice the public to gamble." He confessed to creating video clips advertising online gambling websites before his previous imprisonment, citing high compensation as the reason for resuming the activity. Police have detained him for further legal proceedings and are working to identify the employers and other members of the online gambling network.
In a recent development, the Don Mueang District Court sentenced Mr. Jirayu, or "Keng" Lai Phrang, to six months in prison. Due to a prior conviction of a Category 1 narcotic, the sentence was initially increased by one-third to eight months. However, his confession reduced the sentence to four months imprisonment, without suspension.