DSI reveals a vast Forex network with financial ties to celebrities and politicians. "Pawat" explained that 28 million baht came from gold trading, while "Film Ratthapoom" is ready to clarify his innocence and cooperate.
On 19 June, Pol. Col. Yuttana Praedam, Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), Pol. Col. Chatupol Bongkochmas, Deputy Director-General, Lt. Col. Khemchat Prakaihongmanee, Director of the Technology and Information Crime Division, Pol. Maj. Gen. Thinkorn Rangmat, Deputy Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, and representatives from the Bank of Thailand held a joint press conference. They announced the "Shutdown the Laundering" operation targeting illegal Forex trading, seizing over 65 million baht in cash and various assets, with involvement from politicians and celebrities.
Pol. Col. Yuttana stated that investigations into companies involved in foreign currency trading, broker operations, and investment solicitation uncovered three connected groups: 1) brokers operating public websites for investment, about four companies within the same network; 2) companies recruiting investors, providing advice or trading lessons, who then refer interested traders to brokers within the same network; and 3) payment companies handling money transfers. All these groups were found to be interconnected.
On 16 June, the DSI coordinated with relevant agencies to execute search warrants issued by the Criminal Court at 24 locations in Bangkok and surrounding provinces: Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, and Samut Sakhon. The raids yielded numerous documents and evidence, including five luxury cars, 15 regular cars, four motorcycles, 65,270,000 baht in cash, and gold bars and jewelry weighing approximately 50 baht.
Pol. Col. Yuttana further explained that financial transactions linked to Pawat Pongwittayapanu, a party-list MP of the People’s Party, were traced through several transfers. The money from broker companies passed through two corporate layers before reaching his personal accounts in 14 transactions of 2 million baht each, totaling about 28 million baht. He declined to disclose more details at this time.
He added they are not disclosing extensive details yet but are willing to give opportunities. He emphasized that Pawat is not currently a suspect. Some summonses have been issued to others, but none to Pawat yet, as he is still a sitting MP with parliamentary immunity during sessions. Once his term ends, they may invite him for questioning. The focus remains on gathering extensive evidence including documents and financial trails and awaiting his explanations. Regarding any links between Pawat and scammer groups, they await clearer evidence. Notably, Pawat received transfers from payment companies, while Ratthapoom Tokongsap (Film) is identified in the broker group, so they are in separate groups with no direct financial links.
Pawat Pongwittayapanu, party-list MP of the People’s Party, posted on his personal Facebook following the DSI's announcement, stating that the 28 million baht originated from gold trading and affirming his readiness to clarify the facts to the public.
Meanwhile, Film Ratthapoom told Thairath’s entertainment team that he is currently preparing documents with his legal team and is ready to explain his innocence.