Lieutenant Colonel Thanathorn asked reporters, "What does it have to do with me?" before getting into his car and closing the door when asked about rumors that senior officials in the Ministry of Agriculture were involved with Ben Smith.
On 2 March 2026, Lieutenant ColonelThanathornPomhao, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, spoke about the Central Investigation Police issuing arrest warrants for Ben Smith and his wife on charges of "collaborative fraud and money laundering." Evidence showed the couple, along with others, deceived foreign businessmen into investing in various projects including stocks, real estate, private jets, and energy businesses, resulting in losses exceeding 1 billion baht. He stated the case occurred before he even knew Ben Smith.
When further asked about rumors that senior officials in the Ministry of Agriculture were involved,Lieutenant Colonel Thanathornbriefly replied, "What does it have to do with me?" before getting into his car and closing the door.