Thailand Risks Looking Ineffective as US Moves on Scammer Network Sanctions
The US is preparing to sanction 28 individuals linked to Thai scammer networks, prompting a Democrat MP to warn that Thailand risks appearing ineffective if it doesn't accelerate investigations into the suspects, some of whom hold senior go
Korn Chatikavanich, a Democrat Party list MP and deputy party leader, warned that the US will not wait for Thailand and is preparing to sanction 28 individuals and organizations linked to scammer networks, expressing concern that Thailand will be seen as lacking effectiveness and reflecting weak state authority. He criticized the Securities and Exchange Commission for slow work and questioned whether there is political protection involved. Korn stated that what Thailand's Finance Committee has instructed responsible agencies—including the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Anti-Money Laundering Office—to do over recent months should be accelerated with all available evidence and data to quickly coordinate networks related to money laundering by scammer groups, as it concerns the credibility and confidence in Thailand's capital market economy and law enforcement processes.
Korn said that scammer activities over many years have not only harmed Thai victims but have impacted populations worldwide using this region as a base for defrauding other countries, and foreign governments are not patient enough to wait for Thai action. "If they see us moving slowly, in simple terms they have to rely on their own legal authority to act quickly because their citizens are not as patient as Thais, who in many situations have become used to delayed enforcement," he said.
Korn added that US Congress representatives have likely exceeded their patience and are asking the US government to use legal authority under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act to sanction individuals globally during investigations. He emphasized that every name on the list is not proof of guilt but rather a group of people suspected of requiring in-depth investigation and potentially subject to economic sanctions.
Korn warned that if the US proceeds while Thailand makes no progress investigating those directly involved, it will appear Thailand lacks effectiveness—not only failing to protect Thai interests but also forcing foreigners to rely on Thailand for protection regarding damage caused from Thai territory. When asked if this damages Thailand's image, Korn said it does, as it appears the US must act independently rather than relying on Thailand, which has closer access to information and direct responsibility. This raises questions about Thailand's political system credibility.
Korn noted that those named are not ordinary people but individuals appointed by the current prime minister, with some holding positions as senior as deputy finance minister. Without progress in investigations, it raises questions about whether political protection is involved—a question now in everyone's minds. This makes it even more urgent for responsible agencies to accelerate action to ensure clarity and fairness for all parties.
