MP Suchada’s Husband Faces Scrutiny Over Gambling and Scam Allegations in Thailand
MP Suchada’s Husband Faces Scrutiny Over Gambling and Scam Allegations in Thailand
BANGKOK, October 6, 2026 — Thailand’s Justice Minister has said preliminary checks found that an online gambling website reportedly linked to the husband of Bhumjaithai Party MP Suchada Zhang Thaensap is legally licensed in Curaçao and falls outside Thai jurisdiction, while stressing that authorities would act if evidence of violations of Thai law emerges.
Justice Minister Ruthapon Naowarat made the remarks on October 6 amid allegations concerning Suchada’s Australian husband, Taiyang Zhang, after the Chaiyaphum MP rejected claims that she or her husband was involved in a call-centre scam network or illegal business operations.
The controversy erupted after People’s Party MP Rangsiman Rome raised questions about Suchada’s husband during a parliamentary meeting. Suchada objected to the remarks and demanded that Rangsiman provide evidence or withdraw his statements. Rangsiman rejected the demand and said he would make the information available publicly.
Suchada has publicly defended her husband, saying she would not have married him if she believed he was not a good person. She has also denied any connection between her family and scam networks. Earlier this month, she filed a complaint against Rangsiman over the allegations.
The controversy has also drawn attention to asset declarations submitted to Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). Reports have put the combined assets declared by Suchada and her family at roughly 1.9 billion baht, prompting questions over the source of the family’s wealth and the nature of her husband’s business activities.
Ruthapon said a complaint had been submitted to the NACC seeking scrutiny of Suchada and her husband’s assets. He stressed that any investigation would need to be based on concrete evidence rather than unsubstantiated allegations.
Regarding the alleged connection to online gambling and scam operations, the minister said he had discussed preliminary information with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).
He said no formal complaint had been filed with the DSI at that point and encouraged anyone possessing evidence to submit it to investigators. If evidence shows that conduct occurred in Thailand and violated Thai law, authorities would take action, he said.
The Justice Minister specifically addressed Shuffle.com, an online gambling platform that has been linked in public reports to Taiyang Zhang. He said preliminary checks found that the platform is operated under a gambling licence issued in Curaçao, meaning the licence itself falls under Curaçao’s regulatory jurisdiction rather than Thai law.
However, the minister did not say that any activity involving the platform would automatically be lawful in Thailand. He said Thai authorities remained prepared to investigate and act if evidence emerged of conduct that violates Thai law.
Suchada attended a weekly Bhumjaithai Party meeting on October 6 but reportedly declined to discuss the allegations in detail with journalists. She thanked reporters and the public for their interest and said she would respond to the questions raised by fellow MPs and the public.
The controversy is expected to receive further scrutiny as lawmakers examine the allegations and questions surrounding the couple’s assets and business activities. Suchada and her husband had previously been invited to provide explanations to a House committee on October 7.
No criminal finding against Suchada or her husband has been established in the allegations described above, and the claims remain subject to investigation and evidence.
