Ruttaphon insists there is no political directive, stating the media named Phawut first. The DSI must notify even though he is not yet a suspect, noting that investment invitation clips must be carefully examined and observing that gold trading sums do not have neat round numbers.
23 June 2026 GMT+7 Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttaphon Naowarat, Minister of Justice, gave an interview at the Bhumjaithai Party regarding the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) preparing to handle the Forex case as a special case. He said the investigation is ongoing, with the DSI collecting evidence and victims gradually coming forward to provide information. A decision on whether to designate it a special case will follow. As of midday yesterday, 30 victims had come forward, alongside witnesses.
Regarding the circulated clip of Phawut Pongwittayaphanu, party-list MP of the Prachachon Party, which appeared to invite investment, Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttaphon said evidence must be gathered since the information is extensive. After raids on 24 locations involving 300 officers, the DSI must analyze financial trails, documents, and seized items such as computers. Phawut has not yet been summoned.
When asked if Phawut’s clip could serve as evidence for prosecution, the Justice Minister said the DSI must analyze the details. Reporters asked about the Prachachon Party’s observation that the DSI’s press conference omitted suspect names but revealed those of persons of interest. Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttaphon explained that on the day of the operation, he was on official duty in Sakon Nakhon Province. He learned the next afternoon that reporters were revealing abbreviated names and occupations. On 18 June, the media officially named Phawut, and at the press conference, it was journalists who mentioned his name, not the DSI.
On the perception that this is a political maneuver to make an example, Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttaphon said the 24 raids and over six months of investigation show the case’s sensitivity. Because suspects and persons of interest hold positions, caution and clear evidence are essential.
When asked about political orders, Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttaphon denied it, affirming, “No, because all details and charts in the DSI’s press briefing were disclosed, and the media mentioned this name.” When asked if the DSI’s naming of Phawut aimed to clarify after leaks, he said, the spokesperson had insisted from the start he was not accused and did not name him, but the media already knew the name and asked about it during the briefing. Regarding when charges might be filed, it depends on the DSI and the Technology Crime Suppression Division. He said he had instructed that, due to public interest, updates must be reported every 15 days.
Asked if Phawut would waive parliamentary immunity, Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttaphon said that is up to the DSI, and he did not know when Phawut would provide information. It is the DSI’s responsibility to coordinate. Regarding Phawut’s claim that money transferred came from gold trading, the minister said it is Phawut’s explanation but must be verified. He noted that experienced gold traders do not have round or decimal figures in their amounts, but this must be checked carefully as it involves scientific analysis. He asked for time for the DSI to analyze the financial trails.