Minister Rejects Claims of Politicized Investigation
Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has firmly denied accusations that a Department of Special Investigation (DSI) probe is politically motivated. Speaking at Government House on Monday, Mr. Anutin asserted that he has no intention of using the agency for political harassment.
“If I were trying to politically harass people, many others would have already been targeted. I have never thought of doing such things,” Mr. Anutin stated.
Forex Probe and Government Criticism
When questioned about whether the investigation into Mr. Pawoot Pongprapaporn was a form of retaliation for his recent criticism of the government’s TH-AI Passport project, Mr. Anutin emphasized that legal processes must be allowed to proceed naturally.
Meanwhile, Mr. Pawoot took to Facebook to announce his efforts to gather documentation to address the allegations with the DSI. He pledged his full cooperation with the investigation.
Mr. Pawoot noted that the incident in question occurred several years ago, explaining that collecting the necessary records from financial institutions to brief both the DSI and his political party will require some time.
DSI Investigation Details Emerge
The controversy surfaced after the DSI mentioned Mr. Pawoot’s name during a progress report on its ongoing investigation into illegal foreign exchange investment networks.
Political Party Responds
Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, a leader of the Pheu Thai Party (PP), confirmed on Monday that Mr. Pawoot had already addressed the matter publicly and is prepared to cooperate with authorities.
However, Mr. Natthaphong indicated that the party is awaiting more precise details from the DSI concerning the specific nature of the allegations. He stressed that Mr. Pawoot is currently considered only a suspect in the case.
Picharn Chaowapattanawong, the PP’s secretary-general, stated that the party maintains rigorous internal disciplinary procedures and does not shield individuals found guilty of misconduct. Nevertheless, he expressed concern regarding the timing of the information leak.
Mr. Picharn suggested that the PP’s recent intensified scrutiny of the TH-AI Passport project may have led to fears that the DSI’s allegations are a deliberate attempt to discredit Mr. Pawoot.
