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Ben Smith Scandal: Deputy PM Thammanat to Testify

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Rangsiman-Rome-and-Thammanat-Prompao-photo-Naewna.png

Photo courtesy of Thai Newsroom

 

Deputy Prime Minister Thammanat Prompao is set to testify before a House committee on October 9 regarding his alleged ties with Benjamin Mauerberger, also known as Ben Smith, suspected of engaging in money-laundering and scam operations in Cambodia. The hearing, announced by People's MP Rangsiman Rome on October 8, comes after Thammanat previously failed to appear. This testimony aims to address concerns about Thammanat's alleged connections with the businessman linked to senior Cambodian leader Hun Sen.

 

The controversy stems from an alleged introduction between Thammanat and Ben Smith by de facto Pheu Thai leader, Thaksin Shinawatra. Thaksin is reported to have had significant interests in Cambodia, potentially complicating Thammanat's position within Thailand's current government under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Although Thammanat initially considered legal action against the committee chair, he changed course, focusing instead on distancing himself from the allegations.

 

Rangsiman emphasized that the issue extends beyond personal connections, highlighting the damage caused by cross-border scams that exploit Thai victims. He urged the Thai authorities to address these crimes, which may include financial operations linked to Thaksin and Hun Sen, such as a purported purchase of a private jet. The persistence of these scams has compounded concerns over the social and economic impact on Thailand.

 

Personal tensions between Thaksin and Hun Sen have reportedly escalated following recent border skirmishes between Thailand and Cambodia, suggesting broader geopolitical implications. Rangsiman also called on the Bhumjaithai-led government to address claims of corruption in the naturalisation of aliens. Allegations suggest up to 480,000 foreigners may unlawfully obtain Thai citizenship, with kickbacks allegedly involved.

 

Looking forward, Rangsiman urged Interior Minister and Prime Minister Anutin to take decisive action against these alleged illegal activities. The Ministry of Interior could face charges if the claims of malpractice in the naturalisation process are not properly investigated and resolved. The upcoming testimony by Thammanat is expected to provide further clarity on these serious allegations.

 

Key Takeaways

  • Thammanat Prompao's ties to Ben Smith lead to a House inquiry.
  • Allegations involve scams impacting Thai-Cambodian relations.
  • Pressure mounts on the Thai government to address citizenship corruption.

 

Related stories:

South African Businessman Sues Thai MP for Defamation

Thammanat Campaigns for 'Gangster-Hearted' Candidate in By-Election

 

image.png  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-10-08

 

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1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

suspected of engaging in money-laundering and scam operations in Cambodia.

 

Thammanat is safe then.......remember crimes outside of Thailand like drug running in Australia don't count.....strange.

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Maybe the "Captain" will form his own group and call it TFPP ( The Flour Power Party )

14 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

Thammanat is safe then.......remember crimes outside of Thailand like drug running in Australia don't count.....strange.

Adding to what you stated why should Thai Police assist in arresting criminals from other countries who have never committed a crime in Thailand. If its good for the captain it should be good for everyone.

2 minutes ago, Mason45 said:

Adding to what you stated why should Thai Police assist in arresting criminals from other countries who have never committed a crime in Thailand. If its good for the captain it should be good for everyone.

 

Nice try.....you missing the key element in all this.......this is Thailand.........55555

14 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

Nice try.....you missing the key element in all this.......this is Thailand.........55555

I'm not missing anything Will, I've lived here for the past 25 years, married to my Thai wife for 22 years. So I've learned to roll with the punches if you will. I admit it was a rather poor attempt at sarcasm.

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Once a criminal always a criminal .....out or in the country... no difference

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Deputy Prime Minister Thammanat Prompao is set to testify before a House committee on October 9 regarding his alleged ties with Benjamin Mauerberger, also known as Ben Smith, suspected of engaging in money-laundering and scam operations in Cambodia. The hearing, announced by People's MP Rangsiman Rome on October 8, comes after Thammanat previously failed to appear.

Serious allegations like this are not to be sniffed at.

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Reading between the lines, this article suggests a Shinawatra/Hun Sen cooperation in Cambodian scam centers targeting Thailand, which after the partnership soured resulted in military border skirmishes...

This is a very hot potato. No wonder Thammanat is "distancing himself from the allegations", as opposed to suing Rangsiman in court.

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