Deputy PM Phiphat Addresses Allegations Linking Son’s Firm to Shuffle Gambling Site
Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has defended his son’s company against claims of involvement with the 'Shuffle' gambling platform, asserting that all stock market transactions were conducted legally.
On October 23, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn addressed allegations raised by former Democrat Party MP Sirichok Sopha. Sirichok had suggested that financial trails from the 'Shuffle' gambling website were linked to a company owned by Phiphat’s son.
Speaking at the Royal Plaza, Phiphat stated that his son’s company operates as a registered entity on the Stock Exchange of Thailand and conducts its business in accordance with standard regulations. He emphasized that the firm would provide a formal explanation regarding these transactions, likely within the coming week. Phiphat characterized the trading activities as normal market operations, noting that several other licensed digital asset firms, such as Bitkub and Maxbit, operate under similar regulatory frameworks overseen by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Phiphat dismissed the accusations as politically motivated, suggesting that Sirichok’s claims stem from frustration over repeated electoral defeats in districts under Phiphat’s supervision. He questioned the source of Sirichok’s information, implying it may have been obtained from the SEC, though he could not confirm this. For residents and observers, this situation highlights ongoing political tensions and the scrutiny surrounding digital asset businesses in Thailand. The matter remains subject to further clarification from the company’s management, and the validity of the alleged financial links has yet to be formally verified by regulatory authorities.
