Statements from Anutin, Gen. Apirat, and Aekniti on Photos with Ben Smith Linked to Top-Level Connections?

Statements from Anutin, Gen. Apirat, and Aekniti on photos with Ben Smith linked to top-level connections? This follows the Anti-Money Laundering Office seizing and freezing assets of a scammer network connected to Ben Smith. Soon after, leaked photos circulated widely on social media, prompting public questions about their ties to government leaders.

"What year was that? That was the first time we met... Our relationship is just knowing each other as friends of friends of friends... The refusal to grant Thai citizenship to Ben Smith was one of the charges that led to my removal from the Ministry of Interior, but it was not a removal from the government. I was offered the Ministry of Public Health instead, but I declined and withdrew from the government. Let's be fair in discussing this."

Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior,

clarified today (4 Dec 2025 GMT+7) about a group photo at a hotel in Singapore from 2014.

"That photo was taken during the National Defence College course, when we traveled to Singapore for a study visit. A friend introduced me to Ben Smith, a businessman who joined us for a meal. I still remember Anutin Charnvirakul saying at the time that it was an American share meal—everyone pays their own way, no one treats. Another photo is from my daughter's wedding, which had many guests. I confirm personally I am not close to or acquainted with Ben Smith; it was just a superficial acquaintance."

Gen. Apirat Kongsompong, former Army Commander, clarified on the program 'Worker News Offscreen Talk.'

4 Dec 2025 GMT+7

"That photo was from an event of the Royal Thai Police senior executives' course, a party attended by dozens of participants including national executives from various government and private sectors. I was just one attendee... At the event, I met many people. Ben Smith came to talk and exchanged business cards, but after that, we did not maintain any association."

Aekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance,

clarified today, 4 Dec 2025 GMT+7.