Korn Chatikavanij, List MP and Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party, urges the government to promptly address the issue involving a former Deputy Finance Minister linked to money laundering for scammers. He also calls on Ekniti Nitithanprapas to take strict action against the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) after allegations of involvement with grey capital.
On 23 Apr 2026 GMT+7 at the Parliament, Korn Chatikavanij, List MP and Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party, spoke regarding anti-corruption efforts and the crackdown on grey capital groups. He stated that he has closely followed the crackdown on grey capital from the beginning and had highlighted the money laundering schemes undermining Thailand's capital markets. He questioned Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, about the recent asset seizure exceeding 8 billion baht by the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO). This included shares in Finansia Securities held by Pilgrim Company, co-founded by a former Deputy Finance Minister. Although this former minister claimed the shares were purchased with borrowed funds, AMLO recently clarified that the shares actually belong to Ben Smith, a foreign investor accused of leading a scammer gang defrauding the public. Korn asked whether the SEC is investigating possible false reporting or collusion to launder money gained from deceiving investors in the stock market, noting that several key individuals have been implicated but cases have yet to progress.
Korn continued by emphasizing the critical issue of the current chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), who previously served as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society. This chairman had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a fund linked to Ben Smith. Although the MOU was later revoked, the SEC chairman is now accused by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), and the case is under consideration by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). Korn questioned Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti whether someone with such allegations remains suitable to serve as SEC chairman, suggesting this may be a major obstacle delaying the removal of grey capital from Thailand's capital markets. He stressed that these problems severely undermine confidence in Thailand's economic system, yet the government has offered no clear responses or actions. Korn said he would observe whether the government remains passive after today's live question session; if so, the opposition will need to adopt stronger measures to hold those in power accountable and protect the interests of the Thai people.