The Minister of Justice revealed that evidence is being gathered to issue an arrest warrant for “Ben Smith,” affirming no politicians are involved with the scammer gang. Regarding whether assets of “Chonnapat” have been seized, this is part of the investigation file and cannot be disclosed.
On 24 February 2026, Mr. Yoswin Pienpitak, a representative assisting call center scam victims, spoke after meeting with officials. Police Lieutenant General Ruthaphon Naowarat, Minister of Justice, and Mr. Pradorn Prissanantakul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office. They submitted a letter of thanks to the government and the Prime Minister before revealing that, as a representative of the victims helped in the scammer case, they are grateful to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Justice. The Anti-Money Laundering Office has seized assets, with the progress credited to the Prime Minister’s commitment, enabling the seizure of over 13 billion baht from offenders.
Police Lieutenant General Ruthaphon said that after receiving the letter and initial discussions, part of the problem is that victims were deceived, and banks have filed lawsuits and frozen assets. In cases where repayment is not possible, it falls under the Ministry of Justice and the Department of Rights Protection to manage and solve debt issues for the people before court judgments. Then, the Department of Legal Execution will assist with debt management after court rulings. The plan is to incorporate victims affected by scammers and online crime into the Department of Rights Protection system to help coordinate compensation and asset distribution immediately.
Regarding the criminal case, offenders will be punished without negligence. He confirmed there is no abandonment of victims and initial checks found no politicians involved.
Police Lieutenant General Ruthaphon also commented on the case of Mr. Ben Smith, stating it is in the stage of collecting evidence to determine whether an arrest warrant can be issued. Whether he is a principal or an accomplice in the crime is part of the investigation file and cannot be disclosed, including the matter of Mr. Chonnapat Naksua, the prospective MP for Songkhla’s 4th constituency from the Kla Party, regarding asset seizure. Details cannot be revealed because it remains under investigation. .
