BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has distanced his government from a U.S. congressional request to investigate 28 people allegedly linked to Southeast Asian scam networks, after the name of former Deputy Finance Minister Vorapak Tanyawong appeared among those named.
Anutin said he had seen Vorapak’s name in the letter but stressed that anyone accused of wrongdoing must defend and clear themselves through the appropriate legal channels. “This has nothing to do with the government,” Anutin said when asked about Vorapak’s inclusion. The letter, dated Sept 15, was sent by U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast and House Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. It asks the departments to investigate the named individuals and, if they meet the statutory criteria, impose sanctions. (Republican Foreign Affairs Committee)
The lawmakers said the people named may be connected to online scam-centre operations in Southeast Asia involving alleged human trafficking, torture, serious human-rights violations or cybercrime. They requested that the U.S. government determine within 180 days whether the individuals meet the legal criteria for sanctions. Vorapak is listed alongside 25 other individuals and two entities, Fully Light Group of Companies Ltd and White Sands Palace Casino.
The congressional letter describes online scam centres as large-scale criminal operations and cites concerns over networks involved in scams targeting Americans. It also says scam compounds can involve people who are themselves victims of human trafficking and forced into online fraud.
The lawmakers called for investigations under several U.S. legal authorities, including the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which provides for sanctions against certain foreign individuals involved in serious human-rights abuses, significant corruption or related conduct.
Anutin was asked whether the U.S. request meant the Thai government should investigate the case.
“Which government?” he replied. “Not this government.”
The remark referred to Vorapak’s previous position as deputy finance minister under Anutin’s first administration. The U.S. congressional request does not itself impose sanctions on the 28 named individuals. It asks the U.S. State and Treasury departments to investigate whether they meet the legal criteria for sanctions. (TNA)
