Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Capt Thamanat Prompow has refuted allegations from the People's Party (PP) that he has ties to scam gangs and call-centre operations. He reiterated that his financial sources were publicly declared and that he was involved in legitimate businesses prior to his political career. Capt Thamanat emphasized his intent to address these allegations through the justice system and, if necessary, in court.

 

Before the rumors surfaced, some media outlets had raised questions about Capt Thamanat's assets, prompting him to clarify his financial history. Concurrently, a related defamation lawsuit was filed by Thanadon Suwannarit on behalf of businessman Benjamin Mauerberger against PP MP Rangsiman Rome for linking Mauerberger to scam activities during a parliament speech. Mauerberger's advisor relationship with Cambodia’s former leader, Hun Sen, was highlighted as non-remunerative and purely consultative.

 

Capt Thamanat dismissed the call for his removal by PP MP Rangsiman Rome, underscoring that only the prime minister could make such a decision. The minister expressed confidence that any controversies regarding his ministerial role would be resolved legally. He also cautioned against premature judgments involving Mauerberger, also known as Ben Smith, who faces accusations concerning scam links.

 

Public relations influencer Guntouch Pongpaiboonwet, also known as Gun Chompalang, denied allegations that his PR contracts from the Agriculture Ministry were due to connections with Capt Thamanat. He clarified that his wide-reaching social media presence had garnered him projects across various government bodies, including the Justice Ministry, not solely from the Agriculture Ministry. His response came after inquiries from PP MP Rukchanok Srinok about his relationship with Capt Thamanat.

 

Key Takeaways

• Capt Thamanat denied involvement in scam activities, stating his readiness to address allegations legally.
• Benjamin Mauerberger's defamation lawsuit seeks to counter claims of his scam-related activities.
• Social media influencer Gun Chompalang clarified his contracts stem from his broad reach, not connections with Capt Thamanat.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-10-22

 

 

And you would believe this guy !!!! 

"He reiterated that his financial sources were publicly declared and that he was involved in legitimate businesses prior to his political career"

 

Would this be his export business to Australia he's talking about?