Bangkok: Abhisit Vejjajiva has submitted documentation to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) seeking an investigation into former ministers and politicians linked to scams. He identified irregularities in transactions involving companies with initial registered capital as low as US$10, which were used to acquire businesses valued at millions of times more. These documents are connected to Thai energy companies, potentially contributing to conflicts with Cambodia. Abhisit emphasized that the investigation does not target any specific individual.
According to Thai News Agency, the Democrat Party leader, alongside Deputy Leader Korn Chatikavanij and spokesman Phongsakorn Kwanmuang, presented evidence of financial misconduct by scammers. Abhisit highlighted the international dimension of the issue, noting that scams defraud citizens worldwide, and have been the subject of parliamentary debate. The Thai government has initiated agreements with various agencies to address the matter, but progress remains uncl
ear. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has urged individuals with evidence to report it to the government.
Abhisit explained the Democrat Party’s actions are motivated by two main concerns. First, the United States is on the verge of enacting legislation to identify those involved in scams. Should this law pass, the U.S. will be empowered to act against identified individuals. While many countries have already taken steps to tackle this issue, Thailand has yet to act. The party fears that failing to address these concerns could damage Thailand’s international reputation, particularly if it is seen as facilitating illicit financial activities.
Second, the notion of “gray capital” is under scrutiny in Thailand, with concerns about its potential to influence both the economy and politics. The Democrat Party insists that it will not leverage gray capital in its campaigns or make unwarranted accusations. Instead, the party seeks to gather evidence through analyzing financial transactions of individuals and enti
ties connected to scams.
Abhisit pointed out discrepancies in business transactions, such as a company with a former minister as a major shareholder having a registered capital of just $10, yet acquiring businesses worth significantly more. These companies are linked to individuals named in U.S. documents and major Thai energy firms implicated in regional conflicts. He emphasized the need for AMLO to investigate these irregularities to freeze transactions, seize assets, and collaborate with financial institutions to uncover the true fund owners.
The Democrat Party’s goal is to combat scams, not to target specific political figures. Abhisit urged AMLO and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to collaborate, noting potential violations of the Securities and Exchange Act, fraud, and human trafficking. International cooperation is essential to suppress transnational crime, and prompt action is needed to prevent asset transfers that complicate prosecutions.
Abhisit called for government support in these
investigations, stressing that politics should not obstruct the process. He appealed to the Prime Minister, suggesting that individuals involved in scams should not hold political positions. While other nations have enacted laws against such individuals, Thailand has appointed them to positions of power. He urged the Prime Minister to prioritize credibility and support investigation agencies.
The list of individuals submitted to AMLO included names linked to securities transactions. Abhisit stated that the document is public and verifiable. When questioned about the involvement of a former SEC chairman, he clarified that the chairman was not a politician, but two former ministers from different administrations were involved. He emphasized the need to suppress scams and urged cooperation in addressing the global issue.
Abhisit confirmed that while two former ministers are named, evidence suggests broader political involvement. He concluded that a thorough investigation by AMLO could yield significant benefit
s.