MP Phawut Denies Forex Scam Allegations, Claims Political Double Standards
Prachachon Party MP Phawut Phongwityapanu denied involvement in a Forex scam investigation, stating he has fully cooperated with the DSI and prosecutors. He alleged political double standards, comparing his treatment to that of Bhumjaithai MP Suchada Sangthanthip, and insisted he is a minor figure in a case involving over 50 suspects.
Speaking at Parliament at 10:30 a.m. on October 21, party-list MP Phawut Phongwityapanu of the Prachachon Party addressed progress in the Forex scam case, stating the matter is now with prosecutors and he has met them as required. He emphasized he has never hidden or fled, and has been ready to enter the legal process from day one. Asked about concerns, Phawut said he has none, but noted media reports citing Chaiyaphum MP Suchada Sangthanthip of the Bhumjaithai Party accusing him of being a scammer and running gambling operations. Phawut firmly denied being involved in Forex trading, gambling, or any illegal business, adding that all evidence has been submitted to the DSI, which forwarded it to prosecutors. He also filed a petition for justice with additional information and believes his case is proceeding clearly.
Phawut said he has personally reported to authorities since arrest warrants were issued, never asking for special favors. He then paused, saying, "Wait, this will be real news," and stressed he wants the same standard applied to everyone. He insisted all financial transactions linked to him are documented and legitimate, and that legal procedures should take their course.
When asked if he views the comparison with Suchada's case as political maneuvering, Phawut agreed it was plausible since both are MPs facing similar charges. However, he argued his case involves over 50 suspects and he is a minor figure, not a Forex operator, yet has been portrayed as the ringleader. In contrast, the other case may differ, and ministers' statements about the two cases are visibly inconsistent. He declined to comment further on Suchada's case, saying it should follow due process, but acknowledged the past weeks of media scrutiny have been unpleasant.
