Thailand: People’s Party Parliamentary Candidate Linked to Raids Across 22 Locations in Drug-Related Money Laundering Probe

On 29 December, Thai authorities reported the arrest of Boonyarit Raorungrot, a parliamentary candidate from the People’s Party, as part of Operation Black Mirror TKP. The operation involved coordinated raids across 22 locations and targeted a suspected network linked to drug-related money laundering.

Investigators have identified the TKP network as the central focus of the inquiry, alleging that it relied on shell logistics and export entities to move illicit funds through the formal financial system. More than 20 billion baht (approximately USD 632 million) reportedly passed through around 50 bank accounts and four companies that showed limited or no substantive commercial activity. Boonyarit, who acknowledged serving as a director and shareholder of an oil export firm implicated in the case, was detained shortly after registering as a general election candidate. He has denied involvement in drug trafficking, denied links to drug-related activities, and denied receiving illegal payments.

In response, the People’s Party issued a public apology and reiterated its stated position opposing illegal activity. Citing its internal principle of “There’s orange, there’s no grey,” the party indicated that it would not extend protection to individuals connected to unlawful or questionable financial arrangements. The episode has drawn attention to the party’s institutional credibility, particularly regarding its capacity to separate political processes from exposure to opaque financial flows.

Author: Kheav Chantharina