Prasert denies news of leaked DSI testimony, insists it does not harm Thammanat, clarifies MOU excludes iris scanning, notes guidance from multiple agencies before signing, sees it as a political issue exposed since before elections.
19 Feb 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Prasert Chantraruangthong, Secretary-General of the Pheu Thai Party and former Minister of Digital Economy and Society, commented on the release of Department of Special Investigation (DSI) testimony documents investigating the iris scan business exchanging cryptocurrency under an MOU between the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and Prime Opportunity Fund VCC of Singapore. He declined to disclose details of his testimony given to the DSI as the case is still under investigation by the DSI and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), but affirmed the testimony does not contain any statements that would harm Lt. Col. Thammanat Prompao, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, who is also the advisory chairman of the Kla Party.
Prasert added that regarding the MOU details reported in the news, which may cause public misunderstanding or attempts to link the MOU with iris scanning for cryptocurrency exchange, he confirmed the MOU contains no mention of iris scanning. Instead, it concerns developing digital technology to make Thailand a regional digital economy hub, which is not improper. He noted attempts to connect the iris scan issue, and that the release of confidential government documents—whose authenticity is uncertain—is a political matter. He views it as political maneuvering with unclear motives, but since his name is involved, he must clarify.
Asked about the news emerging amid leading parties forming a government and speculation over green and red parties joining, Prasert said the issue has been raised continuously since before the election and after, seeing it as a systematic political tactic.
Regarding whether he has discussed the news with Lt. Col. Thammanat to prevent misunderstanding or conflict, Prasert replied they have not talked yet, but he insists his DSI testimony did not harm Thammanat. When pressed about whether Lt. Col. Thammanat introduced him to the Singaporean investors, Prasert declined to elaborate, but confirmed he gave testimony to the DSI as a witness. The MOU details were advised by the Office of the Council of State, the Attorney General's Office, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At that time, the Ministry of Digital Economy also signed MOUs with various government and private organizations.