Supachai is set to file complaints with the DSI and NACC against Prasert and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society for allowing a company linked to a notorious scammer network to collect iris scan data of more than 1.2 million Thais, risking use for mule accounts. He said this amounts to dereliction of duty, recalling the rice pledging case.
On 6 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Supachai Jaisamut, a party-list MP candidate and leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, held a press conference regarding suspected misconduct by Mr. Prasert Chantraruangthong, Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DE), and the ministry's Permanent Secretary. The issue involves their allowing a private company to collect biometric data from citizens unlawfully.
Mr. Supachai stated that in March 2024 GMT+7, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between the DE Ministry and a Singaporean company linked to Mr. Ben Smith, accused of being a "world-class scammer kingpin." The process was unusually rapid: requests for legal opinions from the Council of State, the Attorney General, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were all submitted on 25 Mar 2024 GMT+7, and the MOU was signed the very next day with Mr. Prasert acting as a witness.
Mr. Supachai added that in January–February 2025 GMT+7, TIDC Metaverse, a company within Mr. Ben Smith's network, sought permission to implement the World ID project, which involved collecting iris scan data in exchange for digital assets from agencies under the DE Ministry’s supervision (ETDA and PDPC). At that time, permission was denied due to concerns over data security.
On 11 June 2025 GMT+7, the Personal Data Protection Committee discovered that iris scan technology was being used to collect citizens' data in exchange for digital assets, with over 1.2 million people already enrolled. The Permanent Secretary reported this up the chain of command, but Mr. Prasert ignored the issue, failing to halt or closely investigate the matter.
Mr. Supachai said this dereliction of duty placed sensitive Thai data at risk of misuse, such as creating mule accounts or enabling cybercrime. This constitutes violations under Criminal Code Section 157 and the National Anti-Corruption Commission Act.
He concluded, "This sets a precedent similar to the rice pledging case, where the court convicted former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra for negligence causing damage to the nation and citizens. I therefore call for an investigation and will file complaints with the DSI and NACC to take action against Mr. Prasert and the DE Ministry’s Permanent Secretary."