Bangkok: Senator Sunthorn Pruekpipat has raised serious concerns about the Thai government’s ability to combat pyramid schemes, which he claims have been deceiving the public for over 40 years. During a Senate meeting, he questioned the Prime Minister’s preventive measures against such schemes and suggested that influential figures might be facilitating these fraudulent activities. The Prime Minister, through Minister Jiraporn Sindhuphrai, assured that no exceptions would be made in tackling the issue.
According to Thai News Agency, the Senate meeting, chaired by First Vice President General Kriangkrai Srirak, focused on the oral question agenda initiated by Senator Sunthorn. He highlighted the persistence of pyramid schemes in Thailand, referencing historical cases like the Mae Chamoi share and recent ones like The Icon. Sunthorn emphasized the roles of celebrities and influencers in these schemes, expressing doubt about the sincerity of the so-called “angels” involved.
Minister Jiraporn, representing the
Prime Minister, outlined the government’s response, including the establishment of a complaint center by the Royal Thai Police and collaboration with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO). She reported that 9,000 complaints involving damages of over 2 billion baht had been filed, prompting the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to proceed under the Special Investigation Act.
The Consumer Protection Board (CPB) is actively involved, with efforts to reclaim awards from The Icon and conduct a comprehensive investigation into a recently released audio clip related to the case. Jiraporn assured that a fact-finding committee, comprising external experts from various justice sectors, has been formed to ensure transparency and fairness. This committee will also explore the direct sales and marketing regulations to prevent future scams.
Senator Sunthorn proposed five preventive measures, including harsher penalties and investigating individuals with inexplicably accumulated wealth. He questioned the governm
ent’s commitment to addressing the issue, highlighting the need for serious action.
Jiraporn acknowledged past legal limitations and emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation to enhance the effectiveness of legal frameworks. She called for technological advancements and increased budgets for the CPB to improve monitoring and public awareness efforts. The case of The Icon, pending since 2018, is now moving forward with renewed governmental support and coordination efforts.