BANGKOK — Thai narcotics police on Monday arrested a parliamentary candidate from the prominent opposition People’s Party as part of a sweeping multi-province crackdown on a drug trafficking network accused of laundering more than 20 billion baht ($632 million).
The operation, codenamed “Black Mirror TKP,” involved over 120 officers and special tactical units raiding 22 locations across five provinces, including Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Pathum Thani. Authorities aimed to dismantle the “TKP” network, which allegedly used shell logistics companies to clean drug money.
The most high-profile arrest occurred in Bangkok’s Taling Chan district, where police apprehended Boonrit Raoroongroj, a People’s Party candidate for the Thon Buri district. His arrest comes just days after he officially registered for the upcoming general election on December 27.
“I want to apologize to the People’s Party for the impact this has caused,” Boonrit told reporters while being escorted into custody. “I deny any involvement in drug money laundering, though I admit to being a director in one of the companies named in the investigation.”
The People’s Party, a popular progressive movement, has campaigned heavily on a “No Grey Area” slogan, promising to purge criminal influence from Thai politics. Boonrit acknowledged that his arrest violated this core policy, stating he likely “cannot continue his political career.”
Lieutenant General Archayon Kraithong, Commissioner of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB), said the investigation began in February 2025 after the arrest of Lao drug traffickers near the border. Follow-up investigations linked the group to four logistics firms that shared directors but conducted no actual business.
“These companies saw a turnover of 20 billion baht across 50 bank accounts,” said Police General Samran Nualma, Deputy National Police Chief. “The money flow is directly linked to drug trafficking syndicates.”
In addition to Boonrit, police arrested a Thai man and his Lao wife at a luxury European-style villa. Officers seized two luxury cars, 11 handguns, five rifles, and 1 million baht ($32,000) in cash. The couple reportedly admitted to registering the companies but could not explain their business operations.
Boonrit remains in custody on charges of joint money laundering and drug-related offenses. Police say financial records show he received monthly payments from the network, a claim the candidate disputes.
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