Bangkok: A complaint has been filed with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate high-profile politicians and businessmen seen in photos with Ben Smith, who is being probed for ties to a transnational scam network.
According to Thai News Agency, Srisuwan Janya, leader of the Love the Nation, Love the Country organization, has requested the NACC to examine images circulating on social media. The photos show Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanpraphas, and several senior civil servants, including a prominent energy businessman, engaging in activities with Ben Smith. Smith is under investigation by various government bodies, including the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), raising concerns about ethical breaches due to these associations.
Images of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Ben Smith dining and socializing have sparked skepticism, especially since Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanpraphat is also seen interacting with Smith. The photos, which include several former senior civil servants and financiers of new political parties, surfaced following announcements by the Prime Minister, the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), and AMLO about seizing assets linked to the scam network. Claims that the photos are old, possibly from a post-2014 coup trip to Singapore, have not quelled public suspicion.
Srisuwan emphasized the public’s uncertainty about the denials from Mr. Anutin and Mr. Ekniti, noting the proverb “Where there’s fire, there’s smoke.” He suggested that the associations depicted could violate ethical standards, potentially damaging political reputations. The Love the Nation, Love the Country organization has thus prompted the NACC to investigate whether the individuals have breached ethical norms, as defined by multiple sections of the Constitutional Court guidelines.
The NACC, under its 2018 Organic Act, is expected to conduct a thorough investigation into whether the actions of the Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and others constitute serious ethical violations. The Election Commission (EC) might also need to examine the involvement of several political parties.