Picture courtesy of TNR

 

Deputy Finance Minister Vorapak Tanyawong resigned from Thailand’s Bhumjaithai-led cabinet on October 22, 2025, following allegations linking him to a Cambodian business group accused of involvement in international scam operations. His resignation took effect immediately and came after social media criticism and growing political pressure.

 

Vorapak, formerly president of the state-owned Krungthai Bank, was named online as an adviser to the Phnom Penh-based BIC Group, which has allegedly been tied to Cambodia-based scammer networks. He strongly denied any connection, describing the claims as false and damaging. Earlier the same day, People’s MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisornurged him to file a defamation lawsuit against BIC Group for falsely associating his name with their operations.

 

BIC Group’s chairperson Yim Leak and businessman Benjamin Mauerberger, also known as Ben Smith, are known advisers to Hun Sen, a senior Cambodian leader suspected of ties to transnational fraud operations. Reports also suggested that Mauerberger had informal links with Thaksin Shinawatra, the de facto Pheu Thai leader currently serving a prison term and Thammanat Prompao, Deputy Prime Minister and Agriculture & Cooperatives Minister.

 

In a Facebook post hours before resigning, Vorapak insisted he had “never been involved in or connected with any scammer activities.” Meanwhile, Thammanat denied any involvement with fraudulent schemes, stating that his wealth derived from legitimate business ventures. However, he has refused to testify before the House Committee on National Security, Border Affairs, National Strategies & National Reform, which has summoned him twice to clarify his role.

 

Committee chair Rangsiman Rome advised Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to dismiss Thammanat if he fails to clear his name. Critics have accused Anutin of being too slow to tackle the scammer issue, which is estimated to have cost Thailand 100 billion baht annually and damaged the country’s reputation due to cross-border criminal operations based in Cambodia.

 

Wiroj warned that Thailand risks being viewed internationally as complicit, given its geographical proximity and alleged inaction. He added that if the United States releases a list of individuals linked to the scam networks, including potentially several unnamed Thai politicians, the reputational damage could be severe.

 

Government analysts believe that Anutin, also serving as Interior Minister and Bhumjaithai Party leader, may seek to manage the growing scandal by dissolving the House of Representatives earlier than expected, possibly at the end of January 2026, paving the way for a general election within 60 days as stipulated by law.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Vorapak Tanyawong resigned as Deputy Finance Minister after being falsely linked online to a Cambodian firm tied to scam operations.

• The controversy has intensified scrutiny on senior Thai politicians allegedly connected to cross-border fraud networks.

• Prime Minister Anutin faces rising pressure to act decisively amid speculation of an early House dissolution.

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Thainewsroom 2025-10-23

 

 

 

 

stating that his wealth derived from legitimate business ventures   🤣