Ruling Coalition MP Demands PM Explain Delay in Scammer Crackdown

At a parliamentary session on September 17, Rangsiman Rom addressed recommendations from the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee to investigate and sanction 28 people and two companies involved in Southeast Asian scammer networks operating across the region, including former Finance Minister Weraphat Thanyawongse. Rom said the government's handling of such serious allegations undermines Thailand's credibility, and questioned whether no legal action has been taken because of political connections or protection within Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's administration. He noted that simply allowing Weraphat to resign would be insufficient.

Rom warned that the issue affects not only U.S. perceptions of Thailand but global views of the country's commitment to combating the scam networks causing worldwide damage. He pointed to the involvement of Thai nationals with BIC Bank, some with police backgrounds who have worked closely with Anutin, and highlighted questions about how Thailand will address money laundering and scamming problems. Rom said many leading figures and politicians are implicated, yet cases remain dormant despite asset seizures and arrest warrants, which he described as unsatisfactory.

Citing the example of Hun Toh, nephew of Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, who is among the 28 sanctioned individuals but faces no arrest warrant, Rom questioned whether authorities fear offending Hun Sen. He stressed that delays stem from authorities either not knowing or not caring what they fear, missing an opportunity to sweep the matter clean and restore government credibility. When asked about the 180-day timeframe set by the U.S., Rom said it represents not Washington's timeline but a critical period affecting Thailand's international credibility.

Rom emphasized that many politicians, major corporations including an oil company, and widespread connections are involved, and that inaction risks serious damage to Thailand's reputation and legitimate businesses. He called for thorough review of Weraphat's finances, legal cases, and ties to BIC Bank, including asset seizure and restraint orders on any proceeds from wrongdoing, and for action against the connected oil company. Rom also noted that Weraphat once headed a task force on combating such crimes, and criticized the government for using "thieves to catch thieves," creating further accusations.