Rangsiman Rome appeared in court for a defamation case filed by Ben Smith regarding allegations of involvement with a scam gang. Rome believes the public already understands the reason behind the lawsuit and has named Ben Smith as a witness to examine his testimony, aiming to question him directly about the facts.
At 09:00 on 23 February 2026 at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road, the court scheduled a hearing for statements in the case filed by Ben Smith. Rangsiman Rome, the prospective party-list MP for the People's Party, is accused of defamation by advertising and is being sued for 100 million baht in civil damages. This stems from Rome's parliamentary speech alleging that Ben Smith was involved with a scam gang and money laundering operations.
Rangsiman Rome came to court and shared his defense strategy, stating that today's session involves hearing statements and reviewing evidence. His side has submitted a list of 16 witnesses for examination, including Ben Smith, the plaintiff. It is the defendant's right to call the plaintiff as a witness. The reason for naming Ben Smith as a witness is to directly question him about the facts.
Among the 16 witnesses, no major politicians or significant figures have been listed, especially those alleged to be close to Ben Smith. No politicians have been added yet, but Rome acknowledged this could be considered later. He is not particularly worried about the case, affirming that the lawsuit arose from his straightforward performance of duties—both in parliament and in media interviews—following established Thai political practice based on honesty.
, He also believes everyone understands the intention behind such lawsuits. The public might question whether those sued will continue to speak out. He worries this could create a negative atmosphere for uncovering the truth, especially regarding the scam gang issue, which is a significant national concern. Although public discussion about the scam case has declined, the financial damage and ongoing legal actions remain vast and undeniable. .
Rangsiman Rome further stated that this lawsuit will not affect his future work in parliament. It is a matter of an individual exercising their legal rights, and he urges the public to consider whether this legal action is based on honesty.
Regarding whether this case might affect a political party allegedly linked to Ben Smith, which is likely to become part of the opposition after the election, Rome said that being in opposition is not a choice. Parties unable to form or join the government naturally become the opposition, which is normal in parliamentary systems. Opposition parties must perform their roles fully. He is not concerned, as it is not the first time parties with differing political ideologies have worked together in opposition with the People's Party. They will continue working within the law and constitutional mechanisms without worry.
Reporters also asked about the case on 17 February, when the Anti-Money Laundering Office sent evidence related to Ben Smith's network, involving 12.123 billion baht linked to Ms. Tangthai and associates, to the Special Case Office of the Attorney General. This was for filing a civil asset forfeiture petition. Rome said he has consistently presented that the basis for seizing Ben Smith's assets goes beyond Ms. Tangthai's case and includes the Huione Pay case, handled by the Central Investigation Police, which has yet to expand its investigation. He believes more people are involved than currently revealed and trusts the Central Investigation Police can further investigate.
Especially when he was chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, Thai Border Affairs, National Strategy, and National Reform, he invited the Central Investigation Police to hear information on this case. Thus, the Central Investigation Police now have in-depth information. If the Huione Pay case investigation expands and leads to tracing financial flows and asset seizures, it could recover as much as 3.3 trillion baht—far exceeding the 12.123 billion baht seized in Ms. Tangthai’s case. This amount could significantly compensate Thai victims of the scam cases.