Bangkok: Prasert Chantharawongthong, former Minister of Digital Economy and Society, provided a witness statement to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) regarding a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) involving iris scanning technology and digital currency exchange. Prasert maintained he was not aware that the MOU was connected to iris scanning when it was signed.
According to Thai News Agency, the investigation was prompted by revelations from Mr. Chaiyachanok Chidchob, the current Minister of Digital Economy and Society. The MOU, signed between the Ministry and Prime Opportunity Fund VCC Singapore on March 27, 2024, was intended to establish a Digital Business and Financial Hub in Thailand. However, upon discovering links to a global digital money laundering scheme, Chaiyachanok ordered the cancellation of the MOU on November 24, 2025. He requested the DSI and the Anti-Money Laundering Office to investigate the case further.
The investigation uncovered irregularities in the MOU’s swift drafting and signing process, which was completed in just three days. The MOU facilitated the installation of iris scanners in shopping malls nationwide, allowing individuals to exchange iris scans for digital coins called “Worldcoin.” Despite concerns about the potential misuse of personal data, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has not yet deemed the practice a violation of the Digital Asset Business Act.
The DSI has questioned several witnesses, including former and current officials from various agencies, as well as Bitkub Capital Group Holdings Co., Ltd., which was involved in importing Worldcoin. The focus remains on the origins and implications of the MOU, especially concerning the collection and use of iris scan data from over 1.2 million Thais.
Prasert, who arrived at the DSI office to provide his testimony, stated he was prepared to answer all questions regarding the MOU. He emphasized his lack of awareness about the iris scanning aspect and requested confidentiality for the information he shared with the investigators. He suggested that the recent scrutiny of the MOU could be politically motivated, possibly as a tactic to discredit him before the upcoming general election.
Pol. Lt. Col. Surawut Rangsaip, Deputy Director-General of the DSI, confirmed Prasert’s testimony focused on the MOU’s background and execution. The investigation is ongoing, with the DSI continuing to gather information on the iris scanning activities and their intended purposes. Prasert has indicated that a person present during the MOU signing might have played a pivotal role, and the DSI plans to question this individual as part of their inquiry.