Bangkok: The Security Committee is gearing up to investigate the financial ties between Ben Smith and Woraphat, a move seen as pivotal in the ongoing effort to combat scammers. Rangsiman Rome, a party-list MP and deputy leader of the People’s Party, who also chairs the House of Representatives’ Committee on State Security, Thai Border Affairs, National Strategy and Reform, disclosed these developments during a press briefing.

According to Thai News Agency, Rangsiman highlighted the government’s designation of scams as a national issue but noted a lack of concrete action so far. He expressed concern that inaction could tarnish the nation’s reputation. At a recent meeting where Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Captain Thammanat Prompao, Minister of Education Narumon Pinyosinwat, and former Deputy Finance Minister Woraphat Thanyawong were invited, Rangsiman emphasized the need to scrutinize Mr. Woraphat’s connections to key figures such as Benjamin Mauerberger and Ben Smith, asserting that financial trails could be crucial evidence in dismantling scam operations.

Rangsiman elaborated on the evolving tactics of scammer gangs, who now employ nominees and fronts to obscure their activities, including money laundering. He stressed the importance of government agencies focusing on financial transactions to effectively prosecute these criminals. He raised questions about the involvement of government officials in facilitating these illegal activities and called for transparency from the likes of Thammanat and Woraphat.

The meeting also touched upon the involvement of other political figures, such as Mr. Warah Sucharitakul, Vice Chairman of a financial company, in these dubious affairs. Rangsiman extended an invitation to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to provide more information, signaling the committee’s determination to gather intelligence for effective suppression efforts.

Rangsiman urged those under scrutiny to come forward if they have nothing to hide, pointing out the barriers to legislative and parliamentary oversight that currently exist. He hinted at the potential implications for those who choose not to cooperate and questioned who stands to benefit from such obstructions.

Further complicating the issue, Rangsiman acknowledged various elements at play, including the intertwined nature of scammers and gambling websites. He expressed concerns about Captain Thammanat’s possible connections to these gray areas and the lack of accountability within the justice system. Despite the challenges, Rangsiman remained committed to bringing clarity to the situation, especially in light of the government’s declared national agenda against scams.

As the investigation progresses, Rangsiman emphasized the need for transparency and accountability from all parties involved, advocating for a comprehensive approach to dismantle the networks at the heart of these scams. He expressed hope that the government’s efforts would yield tangible results by the year’s end, in line with regional agreements and international commitments to combat scamming activities.