Thai court orders 12-day detention of activist Atchariya Ruangrattanapong in illegal Muay Thai betting probe

The Criminal Court in Bangkok on 5 October approved a 12-day detention period for Thai activist Atchariya Ruangrattanapong and rejected his bail request. Cybercrime investigators argued that, if released, the 59-year-old could tamper with evidence or influence witnesses while the inquiry continues.

Atchariya was arrested on 3 October near the Siam Om Noi boxing stadium in Samut Sakhon and questioned for several hours by the Technology Crime Suppression Division under a court warrant. He faces charges of public fraud, money laundering, illegal electronic betting and violations of Thailand's computer crime laws. He denies all of them.

Police are examining an online Muay Thai betting ring that they estimate handled more than THB1 billion ($30 million). Investigators say they identified 212 transactions worth over THB40 million ($1.2 million) that, in their view, link Atchariya or accounts connected to him with people involved in the operation.

The probe also covers his personal account and an account of the Crime Victims Assistance Club, which he presides over. Police said his personal account recorded 1,196 transactions worth about THB191 million ($5.7 million) between January 2024 and April 2025. The organization's account handled a further 5,140 transactions totaling roughly THB168 million ($5 million) between 2013 and April 2026. Investigators are checking whether some donations meant to help crime victims were diverted to gambling-related activity.

Atchariya disputes how the financial records are being interpreted, saying the transactions have legitimate explanations and rejecting claims that he obtained hundreds of millions of baht through deception. He also challenged evidence linked to a Facebook account, telling investigators he stopped using Facebook in 2022 and now runs a YouTube channel. He further claims the case relies on evidence recycled from an earlier investigation, that police planted material, and that he is being targeted because of his long-standing criticism of law enforcement.

Atchariya has previously made public claims about illegal gambling and police corruption. In 2023 he went to Royal Thai Police headquarters alleging that senior officers were involved in gambling websites, and said more than 100 officers were implicated. Those allegations have not been established in court.

Police say they need more time to question witnesses, analyze forensic material, review financial records and check his background. His detention has been extended until 16 October.