Prosecutors have decided not to pursue money laundering charges against actress Napapa “Patt” Tantrakul, having found no evidence linking her money transactions to the trade in illicit drugs.
The Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) said on Thursday that police investigating her money trail presented no solid evidence of laundering of money or involvement in the drug trade.
Her husband Akarakit Worarojcharoendet, known as “Benz Racing", had transferred money to her bank accounts 18 times between April last year and February this year.
Prosecutors said the sums were in the 5 and 6 figure range and were paid as an allowance for his wife. The transactions were transparent, through the banking system. Ms Napapa also had a personal income.
Charges were laid with prosecutors by the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB), accusing her of laundering money for the drug network of accused trafficker and Lao national Xaysana Keopimpha through her husband.
The OAG has requested the Criminal Court to lift her bail conditions and she was expected to be cleared on Thursday afternoon.
Mrs Napapa was released on bail by the court after the NSB charged her in May.
NSB commander Pol Lt Gen Sommai Kongwisaisook refused to comment on the prosecutors' decision. He said police had gathered all the evidence leading to the charges being laid.
Her 30-year-old husband has been charged with laundering drug money and conspiracy to launder money for Mr Xaysana’s syndicate, offences carrying prison terms of one to 10 years and/or a fine of 20,000-200,000 baht.
