"Theng Natthapong" accused the DSI of holding a meaningless press conference, releasing the name "Pawat" in an attempt to discredit him. He threatened to sue under Section 157 for misuse of power, advising that if there are any orders, officials should not follow them because the civil servants who carry out such orders are the ones held accountable. He urged the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate suspected collusion in the TH-AI Passport project, stating he is not afraid it will affect election campaigning.
On 19 June 2026, Mr. Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, party-list MP and leader of the Prachachon Party, spoke after the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) held a press conference on their crackdown of illegal Forex business networks, during which the name of Mr. Pawat Pongwitthayaphanu, party-list MP of Prachachon Party, was mentioned. He noted that while no suspects were named, Mr. Pawat’s name was explicitly mentioned despite him not being charged or summoned.
"I want society to question whether the DSI’s actions are proper procedures. I also want to tell all officials exercising their authority that if they receive orders to carry out such actions, they should not comply, because ultimately, the civil servants who follow political orders are the ones responsible," said Mr. Natthapong.
When asked if today's press conference clearly represented a political order despite the director-general's denial, Mr. Natthapong said the timing coincided with two parliamentary committees investigating the TH-AI Passport project, which Mr. Pawat has been actively scrutinizing. He suggested the news was intended to create a distraction and discredit Mr. Pawat, noting the press conference lacked substance. Mr. Pawat has already explained that his activities relate to normal gold trading and his business in Payment Gateway. He urged the DSI to act transparently and avoid raising suspicions that this is a political case.
Asked whether the party would formally request clarification from the DSI, Mr. Natthapong said the party’s legal team is discussing possible action under Section 157 if officials misuse their authority. He also appealed directly to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), noting that a NACC representative attended the joint parliamentary committee meeting.
He reminded that under Section 14, paragraph 2, of the Bid Rigging Act, the NACC can investigate if there is any indication of bid rigging, even without solid evidence. The parliamentary committee’s inquiry showed possible TOR manipulation and links between the winning company and a major advertising firm. These suspicions alone justify a NACC investigation. If the NACC fails to act, it may violate the Bid Rigging Act itself.
When asked if this situation would harm the party's vote count, Mr. Natthapong said he is not worried. He believes the public can discern right from wrong, and that improper conduct by officials will undermine the government’s credibility.
Asked if the party would provide further explanation after Mr. Pawat posted on Facebook, Mr. Natthapong said Mr. Pawat has shown his sincerity and innocence, choosing not to claim parliamentary immunity and is ready to clarify the facts. Once cleared, responsibility for the damage caused by the DSI’s press conference lies with the DSI itself, as it harmed both Mr. Pawat and the Prachachon Party.