The court will decide the fate of “Samart, his mother, and Boss Paul” in the money laundering case involving The Icon Group on 26 September. Samart and his mother insist they will fight all charges and trust the justice system.
At 09:00 on 25 August 2026, in courtroom 908 at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road, a hearing was held to set the date for the verdict in money laundering case number F6/2568. The special case prosecutor filed charges against Mr. Samart Jenchai Chitwanich, former chairman of the Anti-Ponzi Scheme Federation of Thailand and former deputy spokesperson of the Palang Pracharath Party; Mrs. Wilawan Phutthasamut, Samart’s mother; Mr. Warutphon Waratyaworakul, known as Boss Paul, former CEO of The Icon Group Co., Ltd.; and The Icon Group Co., Ltd. They stand as defendants one through four, respectively, accused of jointly laundering and conspiring to launder 2.5 million baht from The Icon Group.
At 08:50, Mrs. Wilawan, Samart’s mother, arrived at the court separately from her son. She stated that both she and her son have denied all charges. She wore white clothing today to symbolize her complete innocence and non-involvement. She appealed to the court’s mercy, affirming her belief that justice and sacredness exist here and would surely support her.
When asked about whether additional evidence had been submitted, Mrs. Wilawan said there was, but it was handled by their lawyers and she was not involved. She reiterated that neither she nor her son were involved in money laundering, asserting the money in question was charitable donations. She also said she consulted Today's Horoscope for both herself and her son, which indicated they would win the case.
Mrs. Wilawan added that she has consistently encouraged and supported her son throughout. She expressed no worries and stated that once the case concludes, she supports her son returning to politics to help Thailand.
At 09:05, Mr. Samart arrived at the court and gave an interview, reaffirming his innocence from the beginning and that he had not given any interviews since being accused amid various criticisms. He insisted he did not commit any wrongdoing and trusts the judicial process. He cited Article 3, Paragraph 2 of the Constitution regarding justice, saying the government and courts must adhere to the rule of law, which he believes will protect the people and ensure justice. He denied all allegations and insisted he was uninvolved. Regarding comparisons to others, he said the court should decide first before discussing further. He urged people to wait for the verdict. On financial evidence, he said he presented the truth and noted that money laundering requires a specific intent, which cannot be assumed arbitrarily.
Samart further stated that financial transactions involved his mother and not himself. He questioned the existence of an alleged voice recording, denying it exists and calling it harassment. He questioned why he alone was accused of money laundering and asked if the case had been adjudicated and if the underlying case was still about money laundering. He concluded by referencing the “Blue Resolution,” urging people to consider the facts.
Regarding his mother’s wish for him to return to politics, Samart responded that he has not yet been sentenced. He emphasized that the most important factor in becoming a politician is the support of the people. He said that if he is found innocent and justice prevails, he will use that as his platform to continue fighting, noting many others still lack justice.
The court then took the bench and informed both parties that the evidence had been fully examined. The next hearing to announce the court’s order was scheduled for 25 September 2026 at 09:00.