Bangkok: "Phawut" posts to clarify his innocence, denying any involvement in the Forex pyramid scheme, and points out that the photos with executives and videos circulating online are normal for traders. Mr. Pawut Pongwitayapanu, a party-list MP from the People's Party, posted a detailed explanation on his personal Facebook page for the first time after the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) indicated his possible involvement in the money trail of a foreign exchange (Forex) trading network case. Mr. Pawut emphatically stated that he has no connection whatsoever with the scammers, does not engage in Forex business, and is not involved in any pyramid schemes or transnational criminal gangs as suspected. He clarified the information in four main points as follows:
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pawut clarified that he is merely one of the many clients who regularly opens a gold trading account with QRS, a company known to have a large number of clients. He addressed the images shared online showing his relationship with QRS executives, explaining that as a trader, taking photos with executives at trader meetings is a common practice and not indicative of any deeper involvement. He suggested that the increased attention might be due to his public profile.
Additionally, Mr. Pawut addressed a video that has been circulating, explaining that his presence at the event was purely educational, as he attended as a student to learn chart analysis techniques. He made it clear that he was never in a teaching role nor did he encourage others to participate. The video, he said, was simply an interview about his personal trading experiences and should not be construed as an advertisement or invitation to trade with any brokerage firm.
He further elaborated on the trading system with QRS, noting that trading gold with them allows clients to earn reward points, similar to a loyalty program. These points can be redeemed for items, and he had used his points to redeem a trip abroad, in accordance with the system's terms and conditions.
Mr. Pawut also mentioned that he is in the process of gathering all necessary information to address other questions and is awaiting further details from financial institutions. He assured that once all documents are ready, he will clarify the facts directly with the DSI.