Bangkok: Thanadol Suwannarit, advisor to the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, expressed frustration after being denied entry to a committee meeting where he was set to provide explanations on behalf of Lt. Col. Thammanat Prompao. The committee, chaired by Rangsiman Rome, is investigating money laundering allegations linked to a Cambodian investment group and the involvement of Benjamin Mauerberger, also known as Ben Smith, in activities perceived as threats to Thailand’s national security.
According to Thai News Agency, Thanadol was assigned by Capt. Thammanat to clarify the latter’s relationship with Ben Smith. Despite waiting outside the meeting for nearly 40 minutes, he was not allowed to enter. Thanadol voiced his concerns about the committee’s decision, questioning whether the procedure adhered to proper regulations, and indicated intentions to report the matter to the Office of the Secretary-General of the House of Representatives.
Rangsiman, the committee chair, later explained that the invitation extended to Capt. Thammanat was not a formal summons but an invitation that required his personal attendance. Rangsiman emphasized that although accusations were made, there was no claim of Capt. Thammanat being involved with a call center gang. Thanadol, however, stated he was fully prepared to clear any misconceptions about Ben Smith, whom he insisted was a different person from the one under investigation.
Thanadol highlighted the legal basis for his attendance, citing that a representative could be sent if the invited minister was unavailable. Capt. Thammanat, due to commitments in Nakhon Sawan Province, had delegated the responsibility to Thanadol. He reiterated that his actions were in compliance with legal standards, and he was ready to provide comprehensive clarifications about Ben Smith’s identity and activities in Thailand.
When questioned about the ongoing investigation and its implications, Thanadol maintained that Capt. Thammanat had no association with the alleged money laundering activities or any grey capital issues reportedly linked to the Cambodian border. He challenged the committee to produce concrete evidence if any wrongdoing was suspected, emphasizing that false allegations without evidence should not continue to circulate.
In response to the potential for a second invitation and whether Capt. Thammanat would attend personally, Thanadol affirmed that all procedures followed legal protocols. He stated that any decision to accept the invitation or provide a written explanation rested with the committee, and he remained committed to defending Capt. Thammanat’s interests legally.
Thanadol concluded by reaffirming his legal standing to represent both Capt. Thammanat and Ben Smith, dismissing concerns over potential conflicts of interest. He underscored his commitment to the law and expressed readiness to take legal action if necessary to protect the reputations of those involved amidst the politically charged atmosphere surrounding the investigation.