The Criminal Court dismissed the request to issue arrest warrants for Phawut and 22 other accused individuals, stating that summonses could be issued instead. Only two arrest warrants were granted because the evidence was sufficient. Meanwhile, Phawut visited the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), affirming that no money trail of over 800 million baht ever entered his accounts.
At 15:45 on 13 Jul 2026 at the Government Complex, 2nd floor, Building C, Chaeng Watthana Road, Phawut Pongwittayaphanu, a party-list MP from the People’s Party, came to meet with special case investigators to demonstrate his innocence. This followed the Minister of Justice’s announcement earlier that morning at Government House that the DSI was preparing evidence to request arrest warrants for 30 suspects in the case.
Phawut said he saw news that morning about forthcoming arrest warrants for people involved in the Forex case. He had recently provided information and met with officials, and they discussed returning to provide further details. When he learned his name was included in the warrant requests, he came forward to show his innocence and clarify the situation directly. He stressed he had no intention to flee since he still serves in Parliament and had several committee meetings that week on issues like online commerce and platforms. He expressed confusion over the warrants and came forward immediately after hearing the news. He is willing to discuss any additional information needed. He found it strange that although many suspects are involved, only his name appeared prominently, raising questions about possible selective treatment or political targeting.
He affirmed that no money trail of over 800 million baht has ever entered his accounts.
When asked if he saw this as a political game, Phawut smiled slightly and pursed his lips.
He said, "It's up to people to think as they will. I may not speak clearly since I have no evidence, but this is a suspicion many in society share. Looking at the case, I am not a Forex service provider, not an Introducing Broker (IB), and did not deceive the public. So, I am not directly involved but have become a direct suspect and the main target of the case. Regarding reports of an 833 million baht money trail linked to me instead of 28 million baht, I was shocked because no such amount ever entered my bank accounts. I have explained to officials the origin of the 28 million baht, which is legitimate money. Because it is part of a case file, I cannot disclose details publicly but assure that the 800 million figure is unrelated to me. I need to discuss with officials where that number came from. The additional evidence I provided today to the DSI includes all my bank account numbers, as I have several accounts with many details officials requested beyond the usual, so I had to prepare that information then."
Regarding the 28 million baht gold trading, he confirmed it was with QRS Company, the only company he traded with. He admitted to some small-scale trading after studying the subject but exclusively with QRS. He does not know or have any connection to other brokers or IBs. He noted that although many claim the money trail is unrelated to gold trading, he has already clarified this in the case files. He emphasized he is not a scammer, not involved in a pyramid scheme, nor has he deceived anyone. He asked for 100% confidence that all his funds are legal and transparent. The financial trail suggests all money flows to him, making him appear as the ringleader, which is untrue. He stressed he is just a trader, not a Forex service provider or recruiter, and has not met others involved. The damages stem from trading errors he made himself, not from brokers' wrongdoing. This case is not a pyramid scheme like Forex-3D, which involved fraudulent investments.
Phawut said the DSI’s arrest warrants requested from the court concern the Computer Crime Act and public fraud. They are also considering charges of pyramid schemes. He insists he will fully clarify his position as he is truly not involved. Regarding bail at the investigation stage, he said it remains to be seen. Today, he came forward to show innocence and not flee, as he has many ongoing responsibilities. If released, he intends to continue his work, even though Parliament is adjourned, because committee meetings continue regularly. He is very sincere in appearing today and is surprised that previously he was a witness suspect but now is formally a suspect, which he finds strange.
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After his interview, Phawut went up to the 9th floor of the Technology and Information Crime Division to meet investigators and demonstrate his innocence but found no officials responsible for the case. He then briefly told reporters that since he had not coordinated with officials beforehand but saw news about the warrants, he came forward to show his innocence. Although he did not meet the case officers, he met other officials and submitted a letter stating his intention not to flee, as he still has many parliamentary meetings. He expressed concern that if authorities feared he would flee and arrested him without bail, it would hinder his work. He said he came early to notify officials and does not mind that he may have come prematurely. The media witnessing his presence can attest to his good faith. If arrest warrants are indeed issued, he is ready to comply. He appeared before knowing if warrants had been formally issued and is willing to provide information. Asked if he would seek justice from the Attorney General or DSI Director, he said he wants to clarify that, overall, he is not a fraudster or deceiver. He asked the court and prosecutors for understanding that although many are involved, only his name appears prominently in news reports. He is committed to his work and has been in the spotlight continuously. He believes his thorough scrutiny of government projects is part of his duties. While this case has slowed his work, his dedication continues.
The Criminal Court dismisses requests to issue arrest warrants for Phawut and 22 other accused individuals.
At the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road, it was reported that today DSI investigators submitted evidence and a request for the court to issue arrest warrants for 24 people involved in the Forex case, including Phawut Pongwittayaphanu, a party-list MP from the People’s Party.
Only two arrest warrants were issued due to sufficient evidence.
Reports say the Criminal Court carefully considered the request and evidence, issuing arrest warrants for 2 suspects with clear victims and evidence, while dismissing the requests for the other 22 suspects, stating summonses are appropriate. The two arrested are not Phawut, the party-list MP from the People’s Party.
The Criminal Court thoroughly examined the evidence before issuing arrest warrants to prevent the case from being used as a political tool.
