Phiphat confirmed that his son's company trades normally on the stock exchange after Sirichok revealed money connections to the Shuffle site. Phiphat plans a statement next week upon returning from abroad and retorted that Sirichok is seeking attention after election defeat, adding that if anyone should be playing games, it should be himself rather than him.
At 8:35 a.m. on 23 Oct 2026 GMT+7, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, commented on former Democrat MP Sirichok Sopha's claim linking money from the Shuffle website to his son's company. Phiphat said he wants the company to explain directly, as it is properly registered on the stock exchange. He noted that Sirichok appears to have used information possibly from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or other uncertain sources rather than his own investigation. He said company executives are expected to clarify next week.
Asked whether the transactions are regular stock exchange trades, Phiphat replied they are normal trading processes. He said this applies not only to Maxbit but also to Bitkub and other cryptocurrencies, with many companies licensed by the SEC.
"Sometimes politicians use personal issues to speak out. After losing in the electoral district I oversee, Sirichok is using his personal defeat to gain attention. I think it's unlikely to succeed. I've experienced this many times in the past but stopped after losing three consecutive elections," Phiphat said.
Phiphat confirmed confidence that his son can clarify, saying they spoke by phone last night while his son is abroad. He said the son plans to make a statement after next week. Regarding whether his son will sue, Phiphat said that depends on the company and he cannot say, as he is not involved.
When asked what he would say if he met Sirichok, Phiphat responded that he would advise not to accuse actions that are legal. "If something is illegal, say so. But if it is lawful, don't create attention for yourself," he said, adding that he himself has no interest in gaining attention now and is straightforward. When provoked, he responds in kind.