Bangkok: Rangsiman Rome, a party-list MP and deputy leader of the Prachachon Party, as well as chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on State Security, Thai Border Affairs, National Strategy and Reform, announced that the next individual likely to be invited for clarification in the ongoing investigation could be the Prime Minister. This statement follows a series of interviews and inquiries concerning individuals linked to BIC Bank.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Rangsiman revealed that Mr. Sathit Limpongpan, former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, had provided comprehensive cooperation, helping to clear up numerous doubts. In contrast, Mr. Woraphak Thanyawong, former Deputy Minister of Finance, and Mr. Areepong Bhoocha-um, former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, have sent letters of clarification, confirming their ties to BIC Bank. The committee has gathered useful information from these clarifications, although Mr. Rangsiman refrained from providing further
details at this time.
Mr. Rangsiman also addressed the issue of illegal capital, criticizing the Prime Minister for delaying action due to a lack of specific instructions to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO). He emphasized that the Prime Minister’s inaction has hindered political parties from effectively addressing the problem of illegal capital, which has, in turn, affected public confidence.
The inquiry extends to Huione Pay’s assets, including a private wallet valued at approximately US$130 million, suspected to be linked to fraudulent activities. Despite Mr. Sathit’s cooperation, he denied awareness of BIC’s connections to companies sanctioned by the UK for ties to scammers and stated his limited personal knowledge of Mr. Yim Liak, a person of interest in the investigation.
When questioned about the possibility of inviting the Prime Minister for further clarification, Mr. Rangsiman indicated that the Prime Minister, similar to Mr. Thammanat, has been uncooperative. Additionally, reports suggest t
hat the Prime Minister had previously signed a blank check to relevant agencies, raising questions about his directives to combat scams. The lack of orders from the Prime Minister has left the AMLO unable to respond effectively, contributing to the delay in resolving issues related to illicit capital.