In a government policy statement, Rom sharply criticized the Anutin cabinet, expressing disbelief in their anti-corruption and gray capital efforts, pressing for an investigation into Minister Phiphat's links to 'Sia Tue' and illicit oil dealings, while Bhumjaithai MPs stood up to protest in defense.
At 08:00 on 10 Apr 2026 GMT+7 at the Parliament, during the second day of the parliamentary session to consider the government's policy statement, Mr. Mongkol Surasajja, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, chaired the meeting. The debate began with Mr. Rangsiman Rom, a party-list MP from the People’s Party, discussing policies against scammers, gray capital, and corruption, stating that society lacks confidence in the actions of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Minister of Interior as announced, because their work contradicts that of the previous government, of which they were the same ministers. In particular, the case of Mr. Chaichanak Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy, prosecuting individuals who signed agreements with gray capital and scammers to cooperate on iris scanning, while Mr. Prasert Chanruangrong, Minister of Education and former Minister of Digital Economy, is under investigation by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). It is uncertain whether this case will proceed as quickly as others, but Mr. Anutin punished Mr. Prasert, accused of misconduct, by assigning him as Minister of Education to set an example for youth on consequences for wrongdoing—a concrete anti-corruption measure of Anutin showing no fear of Mr. Chaichanak’s prosecutions. Yesterday, the Prime Minister announced the seizure of assets of Mr. Ben Smith. Has consideration been given to whether some cabinet members are connected to this network? Therefore, Mr. Rom expressed suspicion about ministerial selections, noting that Ms. Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol was not appointed due to a DSI case, whereas Mr. Prasert, with a case referred to the NACC, became a minister. Ultimately, the issue lies with Ms. Sudawan’s case or her father’s, he questioned.
He pressed Anutin to investigate Phiphat’s connections to Sia Tue.
Mr. Rangsiman stated that regarding the seizure of stockpiled oil in Ang Thong Province, it was found that 'Sia Tue' owns it, and investigations revealed several oil depots stockpiling millions of liters, yet the government has either failed or found it difficult to act. Mr. Phiphat is well acquainted, as Sia Tue’s company owes him over 100 million baht from two loan contracts. Notably, in November 2025, Sia Tue’s family donated 1 million baht to the Bhumjaithai party. Amid high oil prices, Sia Tue is suspected of selling overpriced oil but faces no legal action, possibly due to political backers within the party. Mr. Phiphat knows well Sia Tue’s business dealings. The government’s reluctance to act against masked individuals hoarding oil might be because those masked are within the government itself. Previously, there were reports of bribes preventing crackdown on scammers, allegedly involving Sia Tue’s son. Thus, as these networks are interconnected, they remain unpunished. If the Prime Minister judges actions rather than names, why are Sia Tue’s networks involved in illegal oil stockpiling and scams not being addressed? Genuine action should prevent dark forces from buying state power. Mr. Anutin must also investigate Mr. Phiphat to ensure no involvement in illegal oil or gray capital, so anti-corruption efforts are not mere lip service or self-serving. Who is truly patriotic when allowing gray capital to seize the nation and plunder fellow Thais? Mr. Rom concluded that while he does not know how much time he has left in Parliament, neither he nor the People’s Party will ever yield to those destroying the nation and rule of law.
Bhumjaithai MPs vigorously protested in defense.
Reporters noted that during Mr. Rangsiman’s mention of Sia Tue and Mr. Phiphat, several Bhumjaithai MPs, including Mr. Krawee Prisanantakul (Ang Thong MP), Mr. Yupharat Bua-in (Phetchabun MP), and Mr. Romtham Kamnaruk (party-list MP), continuously protested, accusing him of slander. The session chairman ruled that Mr. Rangsiman should finish his speech.