Bangkok: Ben Smith will not be returning to Thailand as the legal proceedings continue to unfold. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul has affirmed that all actions are being conducted in accordance with the law, following the latest developments from the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) concerning political transactions linked to Smith.

According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister Charnvirakul addressed the media regarding the ongoing investigation, following the issuance of an arrest warrant for Ben Smith. The Prime Minister stressed that law enforcement agencies are adhering to legal procedures throughout this process. He responded to statements from Ben Smith's lawyer, Mr. Witoon Kengngan, who indicated that Smith would not voluntarily return to Thailand and suggested that Interpol might need to be involved to facilitate his return for prosecution.

The Secretary-General of AMLO, Mr. Thepsu Bovornchotidara, provided further insight into the legal proceedings. He clarified that the absence of Ben Smith from the country does not impede the asset seizure process, as it is being managed according to legal standards. The case is currently progressing through the civil court system, under the supervision of the Attorney General's Office. Mr. Smith retains the right to appeal the legal actions taken against him.

When questioned about the possibility of additional asset seizures or expanding the investigation to include other political figures, Mr. Thepsu opted not to provide further details.

Prime Minister Charnvirakul reiterated the government's commitment to tackling issues related to scams, illicit financing, and drug trafficking. He commended the law enforcement officers for their efforts and noted the visible results of their work. Despite these assurances, there remains significant public scrutiny and demand for transparency in the justice system as the case progresses.