18-7-2024 (BANGKOK) A Thai court has delivered its verdict in a high-profile case involving online gambling, copyright infringement, and money laundering, sentencing former actress Yam Thamonphan to five years in prison and her husband to a hefty 20-year term.
The case, which has gripped public attention due to its celebrity connection and the scale of the operations involved, saw the Central Investigation Police arrest several individuals linked to a network of illegal online gambling websites. These sites were also implicated in the unauthorised distribution of copyrighted content, including live football matches and films, some of which were deemed obscene.
Mr Phumipat, 42, also known as Aum, received the harshest sentence of 20 years imprisonment. As Yam Thamonphan’s husband, he was found guilty of operating gambling websites and laundering substantial sums of money. The severity of his sentence reflects the court’s stance on the gravity of these offences.
Yam Thamonphan, 40, once a familiar face on Thai television screens, was handed a five-year prison term. Her charges included involvement in organising gambling activities and using electronic media to lure or persuade others to participate in gambling without official permission. She was also convicted of colluding in money laundering operations.
The court proceedings, which concluded on 18 July, saw varying outcomes for the other defendants. While some received reduced sentences, one individual was acquitted of all charges. In a twist that may complicate future legal proceedings, two defendants reportedly absconded, skipping bail.
