In the 2026 election, “Rome” gave a major speech for the People's Party on 6 Feb, promoting the establishment of a war room using a Data Bureau to seriously combat scammers. He took a jab at the red, blue, and green parties, questioning how they could tackle grey capital, and declared that the greatest debt is owed only to the people.
On 6 February 2026 at Sports Hall 1, Thai-Japanese Sports Center, Din Daeng. The People's Party (Popchon) held its final major rally, highlighting the "Change" campaign. The stage was filled with key figures, concluding with the party's three prime minister candidates: Veerayut Kanchuchat, Deputy Leader; Sirikanya Tansakul, Deputy Leader; and Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, Party Leader, amid a large crowd of orange supporters who began reserving seats from 2 p.m.
At 5:30 p.m. Rangsit Rome, a party-list MP candidate for the People's Party, said in his speech that the scammer problem has caused damages exceeding 100 billion baht in Thailand. The scammer issue has also led to at least a 35% drop in Chinese tourists. Many fellow citizens have fallen victim and some have taken their own lives. This is undeniably a major issue today, and state officials can no longer handle it with old methods.
Rangsit continued, since data collection[Fragment: "สัก" is ambiguous here, possibly a typo or incomplete word; no clear context to translate.]Two to three years ago, the number of reported cases surpassed one million. The question is how many victims have gotten their money back? While the country faces issues like money laundering, we now confront a new problem: grey money from scammers. No government has been able to manage this. Today, on the streets, many campaign signs say they will fight scammers. Every debate features all parties acknowledging this as a major problem. My simple question is: how could you let these problems arise when you were in power? Do you think scammers only operate at the border, with no politicians or officials involved? We all know better. Don't fool yourselves. We all know how connected scammers are. If you don't believe me, ask Ben Smith.
"Today, the scammer issue is a major agenda for the People's Party. We will tackle it decisively. Don't think this is just a problem for those less tech-savvy. Over half the damage affects working-age people, and young generations are increasingly victimized. This is a national agenda and a [Fragment: "agenda" — continuation from previous sentence.] the People's Party will address seriously and decisively."
Today, what we will show the people starts with setting up a war room. This war room will include many agencies integrating efforts to achieve real results. You might say previous governments already set up war rooms, but consider the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO). The current prime minister only realized AMLO was under his authority in November. How could they fight scammers effectively under such circumstances? If you claim to be a professional government, what kind of professional only just found out AMLO was under their control?
What the People's Party will integrate is called the Data Bureau — sharing tools and knowledge. The party will ensure the war room operates decisively, not only arresting or dismantling criminal networks, but also cracking down on financial channels. We know these criminal organizations do not fear prosecution or arrest; they might fear execution, but what they fear most is having all the money scammers earn seized and frozen.
"These people know being scammers is risky, but they hope the money they earn, if caught, can be used during legal battles or eventually pass to their families if executed. What the People's Party emphasizes is asset seizure. If we cut off this incentive, the motivation to scam disappears immediately. Current efforts like managing mule accounts and small transactions won't solve the scammer problem if serious asset seizures and expansions are not done to eradicate the entire network."
Rangsit said today some might argue that billions have already been seized. But must I always be the one to point this out? I have no personal relationship with Ben Smith; I've never taken a photo or eaten with him, nor have I bought a plane from him. Yet you wait for me, who knows Ben Smith the least, to identify him as a villain who must be dealt with. If so, wouldn't it be better for the People's Party to be in government?
That's why today, in setting up the war room to address this, the People's Party is in the best position. We didn't start talking about scammers only on election day but have been addressing this for three years. The People's Party is the one revealing where scammers operate, highlighting this major problem, which involves not only money but also human trafficking, and pointing out major figures to state officials. Imagine we are the opposition and have done this much—how much more could we do if we were in government?
"Conversely, consider why the campaign signs of parties not wearing orange have no real meaning. Recently, their policies seem copied, as if waiting for the People's Party to reveal them first. Think about it: would you let the red party fight scammers? Have they finished paying off the plane? I hear it's 100 baht monthly installments and might take months more. Latest info suggests the plane might not belong to Ben Smith but is linked to Jim Liak, who is now wanted. Would you really let this party fight scammers?"
Rangsit continued, or should we let the blue party? Remember when they tried to cut power as Minister of Interior? We've long said the fire must be put out. Cutting power and internet can help somewhat—not permanently, but it would prevent scammers from expanding easily. That Interior Minister said, 'I'm not the Interior Minister of Myanmar.' Do you want someone like this leading the fight against scammers? We criticized them nationwide just for that power cut. How can we solve the scammer problem?
Not to mention that when he became prime minister, he only learned in November that AMLO was under his control. This doesn't even include the big campaign slogans about fighting scammers, dismantling grey capital, and granting amnesty. Today, Ben Smith has fled, no arrest warrants issued, and the asset seizures are worrying. Many say there might be backdoor negotiations to eventually release assets. Those billions could be returned to victims. If the People's Party is in government, rest assured: no backdoor talks, only aggressive and relentless crackdown.
Then Rangsit mentioned the green party, which might have studied anti-scammer strategies in Australia. Today, setting up a war room is not just about ordering or sharing data. It must start with the government building confidence among officials, ensuring politics holds no hidden interests. The policy side must be serious because if permanent officials could handle it, they would have done so long ago. The last missing puzzle piece in combating scammers is the will to act decisively. That will is embodied by the People's Party.
Next is asset seizure. As mentioned, many have suffered losses. The People's Party promises to return money to victims of scam gangs and more. The scammer problem relies on labor in scam camps. We might believe those who go there do so willingly, but we don't know if they truly consent. What's certain is that if we don't open the door for human trafficking victims in these camps to return to Thailand and separate victims from criminals, we force them to continue working for scam gangs. The People's Party prioritizes tackling human trafficking, creating escape routes, punishing the guilty, and ensuring human rights so overseas scam gangs weaken and lose slave labor.
At the same time, we see the scammer issue as an opportunity for Thailand. It shows that our country is no longer a transit point for illegal activities like scamming. It proves Thailand is serious about fighting scammers, human trafficking, and fraud. Thailand is no longer a victim but, under Prime Minister Teng's leadership, will be a leader in combating scammers.
If I can go to the World Parliament meeting and propose a motion for the world to side with Thailand—perhaps for the first time in Thai history—I assure you that if Prime Minister Nattapong is elected, the scammer problem will be solved. We will turn this crisis into an opportunity, transform border areas into zones of cooperation with friendly countries, strengthen fragile border zones, and believe that a strong border means a strong Thailand.
Finally, Rangsit affirmed that no government or party that has been prime minister or minister has truly solved the scammer problem. Otherwise, networks like Ben Smith's wouldn't be so widespread, and we'd not see new figures emerging. The People's Party insists we do not fear grey capital; we owe no favors to such groups. We do not buy votes with their money, unlike some parties possibly relying on grey funds from scammers to win elections. The People's Party relies on the people's hearts to gain power and change the country.
"Our work owes no favors to anyone. Our greatest debt is to the people alone. One day, if we fail, the people will punish us. But today, may we have the chance to bring change. Let number 46 resound loudly on 8 February so that Thailand changes, and Prime Minister Teng becomes the next prime minister."