Only hours after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over a press conference to announce a crackdown on alleged major scam networks on Wednesday, photos of him taken with one of the key suspects went viral on the social media.
Another photo also shows Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas chatting with the South African suspect, Benjamin Mauerberger, better known as Ben Smith.
The photos triggered widespread criticisms and demands for explanation from the prime minister and the finance minister.
MPs of the People’s Party said the photos cast doubts on the Anutin government’s sincerity in cracking down on scam networks.
“Isn’t this something that shows someone like Ben Smith is untouchable?” asked Rangsiman Rome of the opposition party in a Facebook post.
Rangsiman has also called on Prime Minister Anutin to dismissed Deputy Prime Minister and Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompao from his government because of his alleged association with Smith.
The Cybercrime Investigation Bureau (CIB) said it is seeking Criminal Court warrants for the arrests of more than 40 individuals who are allegedly involved in the transnational scam networks.
Prime Minister Anutin told Channel 3 that his picture with Smith was taken in 2014 during a casual meeting while he was visiting Singapore. He denied having any association or personal relationship with Smith.
Finance Minister Ekniti, meanwhile, said he met Smith by chance at a function organized by the Royal Thai Police about five years ago where he was a guest speaker.
He said Smith was one of the around 60-70 attendees from various sectors. He admitted exchanging business cards with Smith but insisted they have not been in contact since.
