The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) met with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to seek information on state officials and politicians linked to the seizure of assets worth 10 billion baht from a scammer gang. They also discussed ways to integrate data for joint investigation of individuals with political status.
At 14:30 on 11 Dec 2025 GMT+7, at the AMLO office, Mr. Patthanaphong Chanphetphun, Assistant Secretary-General of the NACC, Mr. Thanit Suwannakart, Director of Investigation and Intelligence Operations Group 1, along with NACC officials, met with the Secretary-General of AMLO. The purpose was to discuss and coordinate information regarding AMLO's order to seize and freeze assets of persons involved with an international scammer gang worth over 10 billion baht, seeking details and information.
1. Whether any state officials were involved in, assisted, or facilitated the international scammer gang, and in what manner, so that the NACC can proceed with investigations within its authority.
2. To discuss methods for integrating data jointly to investigate state officials who have political status, according to AMLO's 2025 announcement regarding politically exposed persons.
3. To discuss approaches for verifying information concerning state officials that attract public or media attention.
Mr. Patthanaphong stated that during this meeting, the NACC requested in-depth information on whether any state officials participated in, benefited, or facilitated the scammer gang, enabling the NACC to conduct comprehensive investigations under its authority. Additionally, both agencies outlined plans to integrate data to examine state officials considered "politically exposed persons" under AMLO's 2025 announcement, including scrutiny of information or complaints of interest to the public and media. “Politically exposed persons” according to AMLO’s 2025 announcement, as well as investigating information or complaints about state officials that attract public and media attention.
Mr. Patthanaphong noted that the collaboration between the NACC and AMLO will employ both agencies’ laws concurrently to enhance the effectiveness of corruption prevention and suppression, both proactively and deeply. They are also open to receiving information from media and the public to promptly curb corruption issues.
He further explained the NACC’s role in examining financial transactions and all state officials involved in money transfers, whether at operational or policy levels. If misuse of power or favoritism is found, such officials will be charged with corruption in office. If state officials have abnormal asset increases, the NACC can investigate "unexplained wealth." This includes verifying photographs of officials with accused individuals; the photos are just a starting point. The NACC must assess whether there was improper favoritism without waiting for a complaint, as it acts on behalf of the state and can begin investigations immediately if there is reasonable suspicion.
Mr. Wichaya provided updates on the seizure and freezing of assets and progress toward investigating state officials in the 10-billion-baht case.
He said the case is currently in the "temporary seizure and freezing" phase, lasting 90 days. Property owners have 30 days from receiving AMLO’s notice to clarify the origin of assets. If they fail to do so, AMLO will forward the case to prosecutors to file court actions for assets to be forfeited to the state or returned to victims.
Regarding investigations into connections with state officials, Mr. Wichaya said no clear links have been found so far, but they are expanding efforts to trace financial flows to determine if any officials knowingly facilitated or assisted in asset transfers.
On the issue of photographs of celebrities with accused persons, Mr. Wichaya acknowledged these are just a "starting point" for investigating relationships. Photos alone cannot prove wrongdoing; deeper investigation into "close relationships" and financial transactions is needed. He affirmed that state agencies share the public's suspicions and require time to investigate fairly.
Asked whether those individuals will be summoned for questioning, Mr. Wichaya said all related persons will be invited for examination regarding their relationships. AMLO stated that photos alone cannot conclusively establish guilt; other factors must be considered to ensure fairness. A thorough investigation will assess the extent of involvement with the financial trails.
Regarding asset transfers, Mr. Wichaya admitted that leaks occurred long ago and wrongdoers may have moved assets, but AMLO has used the "reasonable grounds" measure to seize assets preemptively. The 10-billion-baht amount is substantial and tangible.
Concerns exist whether the investigation will reach the main perpetrators. Mr. Wichaya urged patience, stating this is only the beginning. He asked critics to wait for the final outcome, assuring that the process will be conducted straightforwardly and fairly for all parties.
Finally, when asked if this might be a "fixed fight to deceive the public" or if assets were shifted before seizure and ultimately returned, Mr. Wichaya said to await operational results.
Regarding the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society’s MOU with a private company in Singapore, Mr. Wichaya said investigations must clarify how the project was conducted. Normally, state officials are involved, but the process must be reviewed to determine if it was carried out properly or if officials knowingly aided these individuals. Furthermore, if any Thai ministry, agency, or legal entity had prior contracts or projects with Mr. Ben Smith or his company, retrospective investigations will be conducted in accordance with legal statute limitations of 10 to 15 years.
