DEMOCRAT deputy leader and MP Korn Chatikavanij called on Thai agencies to speed up investigation of scam networks as two US House committee chairs are gearing up to propose sanctions against 28 Thai individuals and organisations allegedly linked to them with this affecting the country’s image, PPTVHD36 said today (Sep.17).
This move by the two US House chairs asking US Secretary of State and Secretary of Treasury to slap sanctions on these 28 Thai entities over alleged links to scammers follows Thailand’s own House Committee on Finance, Banking, Financial Institutions, and Capital Markets urging responsible agencies — such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) — to accelerate action against these fraudsters.
He emphasised that these agencies should utilise all available evidence and data to swiftly coordinate efforts against money-laundering networks associated with these scam gangs, as the issue concerns confidence in the Thai economy, the capital market, and the country’s law enforcement processes.
The activities of these scammers over the years have not only affected hundreds of thousands of deceived Thai citizens but have also impacted people worldwide, as this region is being used as a base to perpetrate fraud in other countries.
He expressed deep concern regarding the situation and emphasised that it cannot be ignored.
US congressmen have likely reached the limit of their patience so requested the Trump administration to invoke the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act — legislation used to sanction individuals globally — to initiate an investigation.
It is important to emphasise, for the sake of fairness to all parties, that the appearance of a name on the list is not proof of guilt; rather, these are individuals identified as having links warranting an in-depth investigation, which could potentially lead to economic sanctions against them.
“If the US proceeds while our own investigations into those directly linked remain stagnant or show no progress, it reflects poorly on our competence. We have a duty not only to protect the interests of Thai citizens but also to serve as a reliable authority for foreign entities seeking redress for damages incurred within Thailand,” he said.
When asked if this matter would affect Thailand’s image, Korn said he believes it does as it creates the impression that the US feels compelled to take action itself, rather than relying on Thailand — which is closer to the information and bears direct responsibility.
Furthermore, speaking from a parliamentary perspective, this issue impacts confidence in the Thai political system as these individuals are not ordinary citizens with one of them having been previously appointed by current Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
“The lack of progress in taking action inevitably raises questions among the public about whether political protection is at play. While the actual facts of the case are a separate matter, this question is certainly on the minds of everyone, including myself. This makes it all the more imperative for the responsible agencies to expedite action to ensure clarity and fairness for all parties involved,” he said.
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Top and Front Page: Democrat deputy leader and MP Korn Chatikavanij. Photos – PPTVHD36
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