Prime Minister Anutin pointed out that issuing the arrest warrant for Ben Smith is government policy aimed at cracking down on scammers and gray capital. He affirmed he will not interfere with Interpol coordination and is unconcerned about political turbulence during the government formation period, declaring, "Whoever breaks the law..." ,...there will be no exceptions, no matter who the person is.".
On 2 March 2026, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, commented on the Central Investigation Police issuing arrest warrants for Ben Smith and Ms. Katreeya, suspects charged with conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering involving foreign investors in cross-border investments. He said he had just learned of the news and would review the details further. The police have been continuously working on this as part of the government's policy to combat scammers, gray capital, call centers, and money laundering.
He added that these efforts reaffirm the Prime Minister’s directive to "ignore names, focus on actions." It doesn’t matter who did what; if any illegal activity causes harm to the country’s people or damages the nation and its economy, those responsible must face prosecution.
When asked if Interpol coordination is necessary to track the suspects, the Prime Minister said he has not inquired into the details, emphasizing that no special importance is given to any individual. His government’s policy is clear: to address economic, social, and security damages by tackling root causes. Recently, the public has suffered from scammers, fraud, money laundering, and call centers.
Regarding whether the main scammer suspects have all been arrested, the Prime Minister stated that courts have frozen assets of economic criminals, both foreign and Thai nationals, following actions by the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO). This has given AMLO confidence in arresting suspects and clarified that government agencies’ efforts to prevent and suppress illegal activities are gaining recognition, justice, and increasing rigor.
"This shows that no one is above the law, and demonstrates to the public that the government does not side with lawbreakers but fully supports those who suppress, prevent, and uphold the law," the Prime Minister said.
Regarding progress on integrating databases to combat scammers, the Prime Minister said he believes the responsible agencies are working thoroughly. In this case, AMLO collaborates with all relevant agencies, including the police, the Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), the Bank of Thailand, and the Ministry of Finance. They work as a team with experts involved.
He reiterated, "Whoever breaks the law..." ...there will be no exceptions, no matter who the person is." .
When asked if there have been reports involving politicians or prominent figures in transnational crime, the Prime Minister confirmed he will not interfere or be involved in investigations, fearing accusations of meddling. He said his approach differs from others and that he has delegated full authority to relevant officials with only one directive: "Whoever breaks the law..."...there will be no exceptions, no matter who the person is.".
When asked whether this would cause political upheaval since political party leaders are linked to Ben Smith, the Prime Minister responded, "I don’t really care much."
Regarding whether it will affect government formation, the Prime Minister said, "No problem. The people’s hardships and the country’s damage are more important than government formation or having to consider politicians or influential people, which means nothing here. It’s all good."