Thai actress Due Arisara recently revealed her former boyfriend, Chaiwat Kachornboonthaworn, as the boss of the macau888 illegal online gambling network after claiming he had been abusive to her during their relationship.
This week, Arisara detailed the alleged mistreatment she had experienced, prompting Thai authorities to issue a US$30,000 reward for information leading to his arrest, nicknamed “Benz Daemon.” His three brothers, who accompanied him in his escape to Hong Kong, are also wanted for questioning.
In a bid to provide evidence for Chaiwat’s alleged criminal activities, police had been searching for a Lamborghini Mad Bull Liberty Walk Aventador V2, a rare supercar worth approximately US$1.2 million, of which only 50 were ever made. The vehicle was eventually handed over to police by Chaiwat’s lawyer.
Arisara, 32, shared a video on Facebook, in which she disclosed the physical and emotional abuse she had allegedly suffered at Chaiwat’s hands. She also posted pictures of her bruised face, and expressed her distress at the fact that he was planning to marry someone else.
The Cyber Crime Investigations Unit in Thailand has issued 55 arrest warrants for individuals suspected of involvement with macau888, with 43 already detained. Chaiwat’s lawyer has rebutted the allegations of abuse, stating they were “exaggerated,” and indicated his client was willing to surrender himself.
The story of Due Arisara’s bravery in standing up to her ex-boyfriend has highlighted the ongoing issue of domestic abuse in Thailand, and has sparked a nationwide manhunt for the macau888 gambling network’s kingpin.
