Upakit Pachariyangkun

Upakit Pachariyangkun (; also spelt Uppakit Pachareeyangkun; born 28 October 1961) is a Thai businessman and senator, known for serving as chairman of United Power of Asia and Allure Group. He was appointed by Thailand's military junta, the National Council for Peace and Order, as a Senator of Thailand on May 24, 2019.

Early life and education Upakit was born on October 28, 1961, to , a Thai diplomat and former foreign affairs minister, and his wife Aphira. In August 2019, he divested from Myanmar Allure, reportedly selling casino resort for $8.15 million to a business partner, Chakris Kajkumjorndej, in order to join the Senate of Thailand. Dean Young Gultula, Upakit's son-in-law, was named his successor.

Criminal scrutiny On September 17, 2022, following a police raid, Thai authorities arrested Tun Min Latt, Dean Young Gultula, and two Thai nationals on money laundering and drug trafficking charges. Authorities seized $40.7 million worth in assets, including luxury cars, watches and bags, along with $239,091 in cash. Within hours, Upakit's arrest warrant was abruptly overturned, and court summons were instead issued, after interference by leadership at the Criminal Court.

On February 15, 2023, during a parliamentary debate, Rangsiman Rome implicated Upakit in a money laundering and drug trafficking case involving Upakit's son-in-law and Tun Min Latt.

On March 11, the Thai Judicial Commission's testimony from Manapong Wongpiwat, a police investigator, regarding Upakit's revoked arrest warrant was leaked to the media. The leaked testimony prompted concerns regarding internal interference by Criminal Court leadership in stopping Upakit's arrest warrant, and the state of judicial independence in Thailand.

On March 17, Mr. Upakit held a press conference to counter allegations made by Move Forward Party MP Rangsiman Rome that linked him to the Myanmar drug suspect.He denied laundering money from the drug trade through an electricity supply business operating on the Thai-Myanmar border. He questioned whether there was a conspiracy theory to bring the case to public attention for political gain.

On May 18, he was indicted on money laundering and transnational related charges by public prosecutors.

On October 9, in senator meeting he expressed the intention that he ready to go to the judicial process.

On March 25, 2024, he debated that he became a victim of unjust and malicious justice.

On January 30, 2024, the Criminal Court has acquitted Myanmar tycoon Tun Min Latt, a son-in-law of Senator Upakit Pachirangkun and three others of drug trafficking, money laundering and other charges, saying the evidence gathered by police was insufficient to show wrongdoing. Thai local media reported that the outcome of this case may indicate a positive trend for the charge of Mr. Upakit.

Personal life Upakit's father, , is a former diplomat and Thai foreign affairs minister. He has one sister, Thawadee.