Bangkok: The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) are intensifying efforts to investigate the flow of funds in a substantial 10 billion baht scam, broadening the inquiry to encompass potential involvement of government officials.
According to Thai News Agency, the NACC convened with AMLO to delve into a transnational scam case following the confiscation of assets valued at over 10 billion baht. The primary aim is to trace the financial trail and ascertain if any government officials were implicated or offered assistance. The NACC underscored that images with suspects serve merely as an initial point, and a deeper connection must be substantiated before advancing in a fair and unbiased manner in accordance with the law.
At the AMLO, Mr. Surapong Intarathaworn, Deputy Secretary-General, and Acting Secretary-General of the NACC, assigned Mr. Pattanapong Chanpetchaphool, Assistant Secretary-General, and Mr. Thanit Suwannakarn, Director of Investigation and Intelligence Operations Group 1, among other NACC officials, to collaborate with AMLO counterparts, including Mr. Thepsu Bovornchote, Secretary-General of AMLO, and Mr. Wittaya Neetitham, Assistant Secretary-General of AMLO and spokesperson, to discuss and synchronize information subsequent to AMLO’s directive to seize assets linked to a transnational scam group.
Mr. Pattanapong highlighted that the NACC sought comprehensive details on the potential involvement or facilitation by government officials to expand its investigation within its mandate. Both agencies concurred on a strategy to integrate data for scrutinizing government officials classified as “persons with political status” per AMLO’s 2025 announcement, along with investigating information or complaints of public and media concern.
The collaboration between NACC and AMLO will employ the laws of both bodies concurrently to bolster the effectiveness of corruption prevention and suppression. They will remain open to insights from the media and public to address corruption issues promptly.
Mr. Pattanapong further clarified that the NACC will scrutinize financial transactions and all government officials involved in fund transfers, whether at the operational or policy level. If any misconduct or favoritism is identified, charges of corruption in office will be pressed. Anomalous increases in a government official’s assets will prompt an NACC investigation for “unexplained wealth,” including examining photographs with news-reported individuals. Such images are starting points; the investigation must assess circumstances for any favoritism. The NACC can initiate investigations immediately if reasonable suspicion exists, without awaiting formal complaints.
Mr. Witthaya provided updates on asset seizures and the investigation’s expansion to include government officials in the 10 billion baht case, noting it is in the “temporary seizure and freezing” phase for 90 days. Asset owners have 30 days to explain their assets’ origin upon receiving notice from AMLO. Failure to explain will see AMLO forwarding the case to the prosecutor for court proceedings to either transfer the assets to state ownership or distribute them to victims.
In investigating connections with government officials, Mr. Witthaya noted no clear links have emerged initially, but the investigation is expanding to trace financial transactions and determine any officials’ complicity or facilitation of funds.
Regarding celebrity photographs with the accused, Mr. Witthaya acknowledged they are a starting point for investigating relationships. However, they alone cannot confirm guilt; a “deeper relationship” and financial transactions need proving. He assured that the investigation would ensure fairness to all parties.
In response to potential asset transfers, Mr. Witthaya acknowledged news leaks could have prompted asset movement by perpetrators. However, AMLO’s “reasonable belief” measure allowed asset seizure first, with the 10 billion baht sum being significant.
Concerns about reaching main culprits prompted Mr. Witthaya to encourage patience, emphasizing that the process would be conducted fairly and impartially.
Mr. Witthaya also addressed the MOU between the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and a Singaporean private company, highlighting the need for a thorough investigation to clarify project details. The investigation will verify compliance with procedures and potential complicity with individuals. Additionally, past projects or contracts with Mr. Ben Smith or his companies will undergo retrospective examination, considering a 10 to 15-year statute of limitations.