Bangkok: "Prasert" denied reports of leaked DSI testimony, insisting there was no content that would damage "Thammanat's" reputation. He clarified that the MOU did not include iris scanning, only outlines technology development, and revealed he received guidance from several agencies before signing. He viewed the issue as a political matter that has been raised since before the election.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Prasert Chantarawongthong, Secretary-General of the Pheu Thai Party and former Minister of Digital Economy and Society, commented on the leaked document containing his testimony to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) regarding the investigation into a cryptocurrency exchange scheme involving iris scanning under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and Prime Opportunity Fund VCC of Singapore. He stated that he would not disclose details or the specifics of his testimony to the DSI as the matter is currently under investigation by the relevant agencies, including the DSI and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). He also affirmed that his testimony did not contain any statements that would harm Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Captain Thamanat Promphao, who is also the chairman of the advisory board of the Kla Tham Party.
Mr. Prasert further stated that regarding the details of the MOU that have been reported in the news and may cause public misunderstanding, which attempts to create the impression that the MOU involves iris scanning in exchange for digital currency, he confirms that the MOU does not contain any details about iris scanning. The MOU focuses on the development of digital technology to make Thailand a regional digital economic hub, which is not wrong in itself. However, he sees an attempt to link iris scanning to this, and he views the release of classified government documents, without knowing their authenticity, as a politically motivated move. He doesn't know the objective, but since his name is involved, he feels obligated to clarify the situation.
When asked about the news coming out at a time when the leading party is moving forward with forming a government, and many are watching to see if the "green" and "red" parties will join, Mr. Prasert emphasized that this issue has been around since before the election, and it has been brought up again after the election. He believes that this is a systematic process designed to turn it into a political issue.
Regarding whether he had spoken with Captain Thamanat after the news reports surfaced, as they might lead to misunderstandings and animosity, Mr. Prasert stated that he had not yet spoken with him, but affirmed that his testimony to the DSI had not caused any harm to Captain Thamanat.
When pressed further on whether Captain Thamanat had actually introduced him to the Singaporean investment group, Mr. Prasert stated that he would not go into details but confirmed the information he had already provided to the DSI, which is currently in the process of investigation. He added that he testified as a witness and that the details of the MOU were advised and guided by the Council of State, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also mentioned that the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society at that time had signed MOUs with several government and private sector entities.