Bangkok: "Phawut" met with the DSI for the second time to demonstrate his innocence after learning his name was on an arrest warrant in the Forex case, but had to return because he did not have an appointment with the investigators. Mr. Pawut Pongwitayapanu, also known as "Pom," a party-list MP from the People's Party, arrived at the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to declare his innocence after discovering his name was among those issued arrest warrants in a case related to Forex investment. He stated that he only learned about it this afternoon after following the news and hearing rumors about the issuance of arrest warrants for those involved.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pawut had met with investigators last week to provide information and was scheduled to return with additional documents for clarification. Upon learning about the arrest warrant, he immediately approached the authorities to confirm his intention to cooperate fully. Mr. Pawut emphasized that he is actively performing his duties as a Member of Parliament, participating in committee meetings, and chairing the Sub-Committee on Legal Reform and the Open Commerce Network (OCN) project. He expressed surprise over the issuance of an arrest warrant despite his consistent cooperation with investigators, questioning the rationale behind such a move when he had regularly presented himself to the authorities and had no intention of fleeing.
In response to previous allegations of potential power abuse in the case, Mr. Pawut clarified that he was merely questioning the unusually rapid pace of this investigation compared to others. He expressed concern over his name being prominently featured in the news, while the case involved multiple suspects. He reiterated his innocence, stating that he is not a Forex service provider, nor did he solicit investments or engage in defrauding the public.
Regarding reports of a financial trail involving over 800 million baht, Mr. Pawut expressed shock, stating that such a sum never passed through his account. He clarified the previously mentioned 28 million baht to investigators, confirming its legal source. Mr. Pawut also submitted additional documents, including a list of all his bank accounts, as requested by investigators to substantiate his claims further.
Mr. Pawut addressed the gold trading issue, stating that he primarily trades through QRS and has no involvement with other brokers or investment advisors. He confirmed the traceability of his financial transactions and denied any involvement with scammers or pyramid schemes. When questioned about suspicions that he might be the ringleader of the scheme, Mr. Pawut denied soliciting investments or being responsible for victims' losses, asserting that he was merely an investor himself.
He further distinguished his case from the Forex-3D case, arguing that it was not a pyramid scheme but rather a situation where investors independently decided to invest through a trading system. Mr. Pawut affirmed his readiness to clarify all allegations against him, including charges of public fraud, violations of the Computer Crime Act, and potential charges under the Emergency Decree on Fraudulent Public Lending.
Mr. Pawut stated that if detained or prosecuted, he would reconsider the matter of bail, emphasizing his lack of intention to flee due to ongoing legislative responsibilities. He voluntarily visited the DSI to demonstrate his innocence, albeit surprised by the change in his status from informant to accused. Despite not meeting the investigating officer in charge, he submitted a letter to authorities affirming his intention not to flee, as he has parliamentary duties and is concerned about potential hindrances to his work.
In a subsequent interview, Mr. Pawut noted that officials informed him he could return home as he did not have an appointment, expressing surprise as he came to demonstrate his innocence. He asked the media present to testify to his voluntary cooperation and reiterated his readiness to meet with authorities if an arrest warrant is issued. He refrained from commenting on whether he would appeal for justice to higher authorities but emphasized that he did not deceive or defraud anyone. Mr. Pawut requested understanding from the court and prosecutor, highlighting his continuous dedication to his work despite the case's impact.
He concluded by reflecting on his rigorous scrutiny of government projects as part of his duty, acknowledging that the case had slowed his work but affirming his commitment to his responsibilities.