A parliamentary candidate was arrested over alleged drug money laundering in Thailand.

Boonyarit Raorungroj, 33, of the progressive People's Party, was detained in a raid of his home in Bangkok.

Police stormed the residence on December 27 amid ongoing investigations into a drug trafficking and money laundering network to which the politician was linked.

Deputy national police chief Police General Samran Nualma said the arrest was an extension of a February 11 crackdown on a Laotian drug trafficking network.

He said: 'The two suspects admitted they were directors and shareholders of the companies but could not explain the source of the income.

'Our investigation has found the companies had a turnover of more than 20 billion baht across 50 accounts, and we will now coordinate with the Anti-Money Laundering Office to trace the financial trail.'

The raid was launched after authorities identified four transport companies allegedly used by a drug trafficking gang to move money.

The companies had shown 'no activity' since February, but were involved in financial transactions exceeding 20 billion baht (470 million GBP).

Boonyarit was listed as the director for one of the shell companies and allegedly received a monthly 'salary', which was later discovered during investigations.

The candidate has denied any connection to the drug network.

The People's Party said has apologised and said it has replaced Boonyarit with another nominee, Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, to run for Bangkok's constituency 33.