At the Thairath debate stage, 8 prime minister candidates took a firm stance on the scammer issue. Several parties agreed on the death penalty for “Yotchanan,” confirming scams have truly decreased but enforcement was inconsistent. They noted the “Hun family” lost benefits due to the Pheu Thai government’s crackdown on scammers.
At 18:30 on 23 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Thairath TV hosted its first debate ahead of the 2026 election, with Gay Pongsakem Satyaprasert as host. All 8 prime minister candidates from 8 political parties participated: Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the Prachachon Party and PM candidate; Yotchanan Wongsawat, Pheu Thai PM candidate; Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party and PM candidate; Teerachai Phuwanatnaranuban, deputy leader and PM candidate of Palang Pracharath Party; Peeraphan Saleerutwipak, leader of Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party and PM candidate; Suchatveera Suwansawat, leader of Thai Kao Mai Party and PM candidate; Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, leader of Thai Sang Thai Party and PM candidate; and General Rangsee Kitiyanatthap, leader of the Economic Party and PM candidate. Two other parties, Kla Tham Party and Bhumjaithai Party, did not attend.
Regarding the question of whether legalizing casinos and entertainment complexes would become massive money laundering hubs and gray capital centers, Yotchanan said the issue must be split into two parts: listening to the public and creating man-made destinations to attract investment. It's not necessary to pursue this exact project. If there is public concern, Pheu Thai can find other projects to bring in funds. He emphasized the need to strengthen technology and full cybersecurity. Most importantly, Thailand must be a regional leader, inviting other countries to join. When they enter, they will understand where problems originate, and that Thailand is justified, so there is nothing to fear.
Asked whether the first clash occurred because the Pheu Thai government’s crackdown on scammers caused losses for the Hun family in Cambodia, Yotchanan replied, “That’s exactly right.” He said they had reduced scammers by 40%. At one point, everyone was reassured that scams and losses—over 10 billion baht—were decreasing. This was a key issue causing losses. When asked how he would restore public confidence if he became prime minister, Yotchanan said they are the central force in comprehensive scammer suppression. Additionally, military and diplomatic efforts proceed in parallel. If aggression comes, they must respond firmly to protect national sovereignty.
Later, Teerachai stated that this election stakes the country’s future, including the economy and scams. Scammers represent endless money sources and global fraud. Even if casinos are destroyed, scams continue elsewhere. Scammers survive by exploiting Thailand, and those involved must come to manage the country. He insisted decisive management is necessary.
General Rangsee shared his vision, saying Thailand, China, and Cambodia are gray zones with scammers circulating over 200 billion baht, but authorities have frozen only 10 billion. There are fears this money could be used to buy votes in Thailand. Arrest warrants have been issued for Chen Zhi, who is being pursued. Gray money has entered the stock market. Without Thai gray money, would Hun Sen, president of Cambodia’s Senate, dare be so brazen? He started shooting at us first. He added that if the Economic Party wins the majority, they will execute both givers and takers. If the public views this as a national threat, they will amend laws accordingly. He confirmed the problem remains serious, with casinos currently serving as scammer hubs. At one point, Yotchanan affirmed scams had declined, but Pheu Thai lacked continuous opportunity to act. Now, efforts must intensify. Scammers and Cambodia are linked issues.
Then Abhisit said we must listen to voice clips. Without leaders and governments with conflicting interests, things would not be like this. Why wait for Chinese ministers to command crackdowns? Thailand trails other countries. Combating scammers requires technological tools and, most importantly, laws on financial routes and money laundering. Cryptocurrency entered Thailand without reports, and cash gold purchases affect the baht. These issues are important and legal-related. We should study how Singapore and China move, which contrasts with government proposals. Regarding being implicated, Yotchanan insisted, “No one puts personal matters above the country.”
Meanwhile, Peeraphan said no one has seriously solved the problem. Today’s clashes require letting the military destroy scammer nests. Domestic mechanisms must rigorously investigate, as there are no specific laws punishing scammers. If caught, they should all face the death penalty.
Suchatveera agreed on cracking down on scammers but urged a return to reality. Although scammers are heavily targeted, they do not disappear but relocate. Enforcement is not easy. Thailand lags in scammer technology. If he were prime minister, technology would advance to intercept scammers. Anyone caught red-handed must face execution. He agreed with General Rangsee that commercial banks must consolidate data. If the public distrusts the government, they can trust the Bank of Thailand. The government has done little to educate the public about scam methods beyond call centers. If Thai Kao Mai becomes the government, scams will not reoccur. They will use technology and educate the public genuinely as practical solutions.
Khunying Sudarat revealed that the discussion so far only touches the iceberg’s tip. A patronage system has wrecked Thailand through corruption. Corrupt officials and politicians benefit from scammers. Thailand has become a money laundering hub. These people enter power to facilitate money laundering easily, buying Thai energy companies and real estate, laundering hundreds of billions in Thailand. Regulatory agencies have turned a blind eye, enabling a vicious patronage system. She concluded that in this election, political parties are being bought, and the country is being sold. This money laundering is massive, using illicit funds to buy black MPs. She appealed to the public to view any money offered as stolen from them and consider whether to accept it. She warned that if Thai Sang Thai becomes government, they will not ignore these issues.