The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) announced the crackdown on an illegal Forex network, uncovering a financial trail of 28 million baht linked to Pawat, a Member of Parliament from the People’s Party, and Film Rattapoom connected to a broker group. They emphasized that these individuals are not suspects and offered them the chance to present evidence to clarify their position against the allegations.
On 19 Jun 2026 GMT+7, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), led by Director Yuttana Praedam, along with representatives from the Technology Crime Suppression Division, the Institute of Forensic Science, and the Bank of Thailand, held a press conference to announce the results of their operation dismantling an illegal Forex and pyramid scheme network. The coordinated raids targeted 24 locations across Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, and Samut Sakhon. The operation not only seized a large amount of evidence but also uncovered significant leads potentially implicating high-profile individuals in society.
This nationwide operation was the result of more than six months of continuous investigation, beginning with tracking financial flows linked to scammers and online gambling networks. Authorities discovered massive irregular money movements funneled into Forex businesses, which the Bank of Thailand has clearly warned are unlicensed in Thailand.
In-depth investigations revealed that this network operated systematically, with clearly divided roles among three groups to defraud and transfer victims' assets, consisting of:
Initially, the network allowed investors to withdraw profits to build trust and encourage greater investment. However, at a certain point, the system would manipulate conditions, delay transactions, or lock orders, ultimately preventing victims from withdrawing their funds.
Given clear evidence of fraud, prosecutors obtained court approval to raid 15 suspect companies and nine residences of related individuals. Authorities froze 77 bank accounts (20 corporate and 57 personal), coordinated to block access to related cryptocurrency wallets, and seized assets pending source verification, including 65.27 million baht in cash, foreign currency worth 600,000 baht, five luxury cars, 15 regular cars, four motorcycles, 50 baht of gold bars and jewelry totaling 12 kilograms, 113 luxury watches, over 40 branded bags, as well as technology equipment such as 55 computers, 30 mobile phones, four crypto hardware wallets, and three firearms with ammunition.
A highlight of the operation was tracing funds from the Payment Gateway group to personal accounts of nationally prominent individuals. The DSI disclosed preliminary information revealing transfers from corporate entities in the network into accounts of Pawat Pongwittayaphanu, a party-list Member of Parliament for the People’s Party, totaling 14 transactions of about 2 million baht each, summing over 28 million baht, all occurring on a single day in July 2024. Additionally, evidence linked Film Rattapoom Tokongsap, a famous actor, who acted as a promoter and advisor to a company connected to the broker group.
However, the DSI emphasized fairness by stating that neither individual is currently a suspect in the case, and the investigation is being conducted impartially without political pressure. Authorities are open to allowing those implicated to present evidence proving their innocence. Regarding MP Pawat, who is presently serving in parliament and enjoys parliamentary immunity, investigators will issue a summons for questioning after the parliamentary session ends unless he waives immunity and voluntarily cooperates beforehand.
Currently, more than 500 victims have filed direct complaints with the DSI, with over 60 additional cases reported through the Technology Crime Suppression Division’s online system. Officials estimate the total actual damages from this network could reach several billion baht.
Finally, the Department of Special Investigation issued a public warning urging citizens to be cautious of pyramid schemes or platforms promising unrealistically high returns. Victims of this case are urged to gather evidence and coordinate with the DSI’s Technology and Information Case Division to participate in the victim identification process, paving the way for asset redistribution to alleviate their hardships through the justice system promptly.