Peeraphan revealed the truth behind the negotiations of the Akara gold mine case, naming the "Ninja Team" responsible for the success in ending tens of billions in compensation payments, an effort spanning the administrations of Prayut Chan-o-cha, Srettha Thavisin, and Paethongtarn Shinawatra.
On 21 February 2026, Mr. Peeraphan Saleerathwipak, leader of the United Thai Nation Party, spoke about the behind-the-scenes negotiations that resolved the prolonged dispute over the Akara gold mine case, involving the Thai government and Kingsgate Consolidated Limited.
Mr. Peeraphan explained that the problem began when Kingsgate mistakenly believed the Thai government was "persecuting" them by using the special powers under Section 44 of the NCPO government to suspend gold mining operations following public opposition. In reality, the regular authority of the Director-General of the Department of Primary Industries and Mines was sufficient to issue such orders. The use of Section 44 caused misunderstanding and led to arbitration proceedings in Singapore.
Mr. Peeraphan said that when he took responsibility for the case, he had reviewed all facts and found that arbitration in Singapore was imminent, risking Thailand having to pay tens of billions in damages. Normally, a formal team led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry handled the matter, but in-depth off-the-record negotiations were required. Therefore, with approval from then-Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, a "Ninja Team" was formed, consisting of himself, Professor Athik Aswanan, Lieutenant General Nithi Chujaroen (then in position), and a representative from the Office of the Council of State. They negotiated with representatives from Akara and its parent company, clarifying that the government had no intention to harass but that the dispute arose from misunderstanding over administrative authority. Regarding the company's criminal case, the government could not interfere with judicial processes. They also emphasized the long-term business viability of investing in Thailand.
Mr. Peeraphan added that senior executives of Kingsgate in Australia shared the same perspective as those in Thailand, leading both sides to jointly request an extension of the arbitration deadline without objection. Later, under the governments of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, no new negotiation teams were appointed.
The "Ninja Team" continued coordinating afterward, ultimately leading shareholders to accept the conditions proposed by management, avoiding reliance on the arbitration tribunal's decision.