Ruthaphon revealed that the DSI is preparing to issue a third summons to Somchat, Phuket MP from the Populist Party, as a witness regarding nominee shareholdings after discovering gradual company closures and land sales at low prices. He also stated that "Phawut" and "Film" will be prosecuted in the Forex case by the end of this month.
At 09:30 on 8 September 2026 at the parliament, Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruthaphon Naowarat, Minister of Justice, commented on the case of Somchat Techathaworncharoen, Phuket MP from the Populist Party, who requested to postpone giving testimony on 7 September as a witness to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) for the second time regarding nominee shareholding allegations. He explained that the first summons on 31 August was not received by Somchat via postal system. The second summons for 7 September was postponed with a request to meet at the end of the month. DSI found this delay too long and scheduled a third summons for 14 September to expedite the process, noting reports that several companies have been closed and land sold at abnormally low prices. Officials also discovered several land plots in the northeast with similar suspicious activity. The minister urged Somchat to come forward for clarification, warning that failure to appear could lead to legal consequences under Section 24 of the Special Case Investigation Department Act concerning contempt of summons.
Asked whether a warrant would be issued if Somchat failed to appear for the third summons, Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruthaphon said investigators have grounds to proceed under Section 24.
When asked if MPs can claim parliamentary duties as a reason to avoid the summons during the parliamentary session, Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruthaphon said this summons is for testimony as a witness. He believes attending causes no harm and any missing documents can be submitted later. This is the most just process.
When pressed on whether the sale of land and company closures indicate wrongdoing, Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruthaphon said such actions, like closing multiple companies and selling land at prices far below market value, typically indicate abandonment of ownership. Further case details remain to be examined.
Asked if these actions constitute a completed offense, Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruthaphon stated that forensic evidence has been thoroughly collected by the DSI, including contracts and documents—even if altered, all details have been preserved.
Prosecution of Phawut and Film in Forex Case to Be Filed with Prosecutor by End of September
Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruthaphon also spoke about progress in the case against Phawut Pongwitthayaphanu, Populist Party list MP and suspect in the Forex case. The DSI has reported that charges will be filed with the prosecutor by the end of September. In addition to Phawut, several others will be charged, including Ratthapoom Tokongsap, a former singer and politician.