Bangkok: "Ruttaphol" insists there were no political orders, and tells the media to reveal "Phawut's" name in the Forex case. He stated that the DSI (Department of Special Investigation) needed to issue the notification even though Phawut is not yet a suspect. He pointed out that the investment solicitation video needs to be investigated first and noted that the money involved in gold trading would not be in round figures.
According to Thai News Agency, Police Lieutenant General Ruddhaphol Naowarat, Minister of Justice, gave an interview regarding the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) preparing to accept the Forex case as a special case. He stated that the case is currently in the investigation stage, with the DSI gathering evidence and witnesses who are gradually coming in to provide information. A decision will be made later on whether to accept it as a special case. As of midday, approximately 30 victims have already come forward, and witnesses are also arriving.
Regarding the video clip of Mr. Pawut Pongwitthayaphanu, a party-list MP of the People's Party, allegedly soliciting investment, Police Lieutenant General Ruttapol stated that they need to gather evidence because there is a large amount of information. After searching 24 locations and deploying 300 officers, they need to analyze the money trail, documents, and seized items such as computers. Currently, Mr. Pawut has not yet been summoned for questioning.
When asked again whether the clip of Mr. Pawut could be used as evidence to convict him, Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttapol said that the DSI would have to analyze the details.
When asked about the People's Party's observation that the DSI's press conference concealed the name of the suspect but revealed the names of those suspected, Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttapol clarified that on the day of the operation, he was on official duty in Sakon Nakhon province. He only learned of the operation the following afternoon and saw reporters revealing initials and occupations. On June 18th, the media officially began revealing the name Mr. Pawut. During the press conference, it was the reporters who mentioned Mr. Pawut's name, not the DSI.
When asked whether society viewed it as a political game to make an example of someone, Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttapol stated that the searches at 24 locations, coupled with the DSI's investigation which took over six months due to the sensitivity of the case (as the suspects and those under investigation held positions of authority), required careful consideration and clear evidence.
When asked if there was a politically motivated order, Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttapol denied it, confirming, "No, because the details and the press release chart from the DSI all contain the information, and the reporter did mention that name."
When asked further whether the DSI press conference, which included Mr. Pawut's name, was intended to clarify the situation to the public after his name was leaked, Police Lieutenant General Ruttapol stated that the spokesperson had confirmed from the beginning that he was not the perpetrator and that his name was not mentioned. However, reporters knew the name beforehand and it was discussed during the press conference.
Regarding when charges will be filed, that depends on the DSI and the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB). I've been instructed that, because this is a case of public interest, reports must be submitted every 15 days.
When asked if Mr. Pawut would not be using his parliamentary immunity, and whether that would be the case, Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttapol said that it would depend on the DSI, and he did not know when Mr. Pawut would come in to provide information. It is the DSI's responsibility to coordinate.
When asked whether Mr. Pawut's explanation that the money transferred into the account came from gold trading was credible, Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttapol said that it was Mr. Pawut's explanation but it needed to be verified. He added that if you ask gold traders, they won't have round numbers or decimal points. However, this matter still needs to be investigated because it's a scientific aspect of the process. He requested time for the DSI to analyze the source of the money transfers.