Suriya Explains Aircraft Purchase from Ben Smith in 2024, Reports to NACC, Denies Money Transport

Suriya, former Minister of Transportation, responded to allegations by CSI LA page about purchasing a Gulfstream G550 from Benjamin Mauenberger (Ben Smith), a foreign businessman whose assets were frozen by anti-money laundering authorities. While the aircraft's actual value is around 800 million baht, Suriya reported purchasing his share for 30 million baht to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). He purchased the aircraft in August 2024 and used it for the last time in November 2025. Suriya denied accusations of using the plane to transport political funds or ammunition, calling them politically motivated attacks intended to undermine his credibility before elections. He emphasized that he knows Ben Smith only as a buyer and seller, and their transaction was straightforward and legal.