During the press conference yesterday in Bangkok, Pol Colonel Phanthana Nuchanart, deputy commander of the Crime Suppression Division, said Sasithorn Wongpracha was also wanted for dealing in fake banknotes in Maha Sarakham, Roi Et and Kalasin provinces.

She claimed the ex-senator’s wife had someone deliver the notes to her and had given her a ride to various banks to exchange 10 $100 banknotes per time at various banks. She said she was paid 10 per cent out of the Bt35,000 gained from exchanging the fake notes. She also claimed the gang planned to exchange fake dollars at a neighbouring country’s gambling dens to multiply the gains.

Police is now hunting for her accomplices and the source of the fake banknotes, while urging banks to cooperate in the probe.