Bangkok: A photo of Anutin Charnvirakul, the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, alongside Ben Smith, has been circulating on social media, drawing significant attention. The image, believed to be more than 10 years old, is said to have been released with the intent to discredit public figures and is considered to be politically motivated.
According to Thai News Agency, the photo has led to significant developments, including the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) resolving to seize and freeze assets worth over 9 billion baht. The photo, reportedly taken in 2014 in Singapore, appears to have been distributed by the Ben Smith network to cast doubt on the government. This has prompted criticism and demands for Anutin and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanpraphas to address their involvement.
The Thailand FACT Today page recently published a comparison photo highlighting Mr. Anutin’s hairstyle and clothing, suggesting the age of the image. The release of this photo, showing Mr. Ben Smith and Mr. Anutin together, is perceived as a deliberate political act. The photo may date back to a period when Anutin was barred from holding an executive position in the Thai Rak Thai Party between 2013 and 2015. At that time, Mr. Ben Smith had no links to the network whose assets have now been seized by the AMLO.
The AMLO’s latest announcement confirmed that the networks of Ben Smith, along with others, have had assets worth over 10 billion baht seized and frozen. The old photos merely depict an association but do not imply any collaboration or the depth of their relationship. Ben Smith no longer holds Thai citizenship, and his network is currently being dismantled, highlighting the focus on current actions rather than outdated images.
The release of this photo is expected to generate news, yet it is deemed as entertainment rather than substantial political discourse. The focus, as emphasized, should remain on the facts and current actions rather than on outdated imagery.