Pawat explained to the DSI for over four hours regarding the Forex case, denying all allegations, confident in his evidence, reiterating that the money came from gold trading, revealing he has resolved misunderstandings with Rakchanok, and laughingly denied any exchange of favors concerning the TH-AI Passport project and legal outcomes.
At 18:30 on 3 Aug 2026, after questioning by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) investigators, Pawat Pongwittayaphanu, People's Party list MP, faced charges of conspiring to fraudulently borrow money from the public, conspiring to defraud the public, conducting securities brokerage without authorization, engaging in futures trading without license or registration, conspiring to input false data into computer systems likely to harm the public, conspiring with two or more persons to commit money laundering, and completed money laundering by conspiracy, with questioning lasting over four hours.
Pawat stated, Today, I came as summoned by the DSI and brought all evidence to clarify to the authorities, all of which is in the case file. I firmly deny all allegations. I have candidly and sincerely explained many of the charges. If there are further questions or additional information needed, I am willing to provide it later.
Meanwhile, Regarding previous news reports about a financial trail of over 800 million baht, I confirm the investigators did not mention this amount today. I have already provided full evidence on financial transactions to the DSI. Thus, I am confident the financial trail is legitimate and not derived from scams or defrauding the public.
As for the 28 million baht linked to me, whether investigators raised suspicions, I can provide information but must withhold details. I am not worried as I can explain everything. We have answers to all the investigators’ questions. I continue to affirm that the 28 million baht connected to me came from gold trading, and some other sources, which I can also clarify.
Regarding whether the charges are too severe, I am somewhat concerned but understand the authorities. I am confident in my explanations and have not committed any wrongdoing. I confirm my full cooperation with authorities and have no intention to flee.
Additionally, Pawat addressed harsh criticism about his sudden shift after the Forex case emerged, whereas previously he actively scrutinized the TH-AI Passport project, saying that since the project began after his parliamentary debates and as he chaired two subcommittees, he was directly involved. However, with the direct involvement of others and his own legal case, the party assigned others to oversee the project.
Going forward, he may reduce his role due to heavy workload, and the MPs involved are not only Rakchanok Srinok, a People's Party list MP, but also members from other parties working on this. He is also occupied with foreign platform issues and legal reforms. His reduced role does not mean abandoning the work. He explained that his analysis of the TH-AI Passport project was based on the immediate work and acknowledged apologizing if he presented a one-sided view, stressing he had no ill intent.
Pawat added, After discussing with Rakchanok, they have a better understanding and communicate within the party, so there is no disagreement. When asked if his statements were meant to trade for a favorable Forex case outcome, Pawat laughed loudly and replied, If that were possible, I wouldn’t be standing here. So that is definitely not the case. I was simply offering critique as part of my duty. Each MP has different views, and as a former businessman, I criticize from a perspective that might be helpful. .