Deputy Prime Minister Thamanat Prompow chairing a meeting on October 22 | Photo via Royal Thai Government

 

The opposition People's Party has urged the dismissal of Deputy Prime Minister Thamanat Prompow, concerned that his continued cabinet role could impact investigations into a major transnational crime and money laundering network. Rangsiman Rome, Deputy Leader of the People’s Party, made the call after the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) in Thailand seized assets valued at approximately 10 billion baht. These assets are linked to an online scam involving Thai businesswoman Tangthai Banmahing.

 

The investigation has highlighted financial connections to Yim Leak, reportedly closely tied to Cambodia's political elite and instrumental in a regional scam network. The illicit finances are allegedly funneled through BIC Bank Cambodia, under Yim Leak's control and associated with the Dara Sakor project, a development supported by Chinese national She Zhijiang. She Zhijiang was extradited to China over illegal gambling charges, and BIC Bank may face British sanctions.

 

Rangsiman also charged that Benjamin Mauerberger, alias Ben Smith, has substantial links with Thai politicians, including Thamanat, and advises former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. Rangsiman cited journalist Tom Wright's reports of Mauerberger providing luxury transport for political figures, including a yacht meeting in December 2024 attended by Thaksin Shinawatra and Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim, with Thamanat present.

 

Additionally, Thanadol Suwannarit, an adviser to Thamanat, confessed to managing Mauerberger's legal affairs. Rangsiman, presently sued by Mauerberger, noted procedural inconsistencies such as issues verifying Mauerberger's passport by legal representatives. He stressed this case symbolizes a broader concern of "grey capital," illicit resources impacting Thai politics and undermining democracy, accusing Thamanat of legal maneuvering to stifle dissent.

 

The People's Party has called for the Prime Minister to dismiss Thamanat and to strengthen collaboration with international entities to tackle those involved in the transnational crime scheme, reported The Thaiger.

 

Key Takeaways

• People's Party seeks the removal of Thamanat amid crime probe concerns.
• Links identified between illicit funds and regional scam networks.
• International cooperation urged to address transnational criminal activities.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-12-05

 

 

 

The push begins. The tactical move by PP to oust PTP and allow Anutin to be PM may be a masterstroke. Of course my main concern as I'm sure is that of every other person who wants to see change in Thailand is that the establishment (military/elites/royalists) will usurp the people's vote once again when the PP win the next election either by the corrupt court system or a coup. 

Hey, hey, hey, I don't see a problem here. Move on PP.

 

He only: claimed a PhD from an unaccredited institution, was convicted of conspiring to import heroin into Australia, was detained for 3 years about the abduction and death of an individual, had his army rank revoked as a result, was sacked from a government for trying to oust Chan-O- Cha, and then expelled from the PP in 2022. 

He also has unexplained wealth of 42 million Australian dollars equivalent.

 

Also has a Rolls-Royce and a Bentley & 2 wives.

 

Apart from these, he's as clean as a whistle. 🙂 

7 hours ago, hughrection said:

Hey, hey, hey, I don't see a problem here. Move on PP.

 

He only: claimed a PhD from an unaccredited institution, was convicted of conspiring to import heroin into Australia, was detained for 3 years about the abduction and death of an individual, had his army rank revoked as a result, was sacked from a government for trying to oust Chan-O- Cha, and then expelled from the PP in 2022. 

He also has unexplained wealth of 42 million Australian dollars equivalent.

 

Also has a Rolls-Royce and a Bentley & 2 wives.

 

Apart from these, he's as clean as a whistle. 🙂 

"Apart from these, he's as clean as a whistle. 🙂 "

 

Ahhh... so my favourate old Aussie smack head finally got clean?

 

Methadone? or cold turkey and 30 Narcotics Anonamous meetings in 30 days?

 

Remember foks - never loose hope for your junkie friends. Miracles do happen and one day >> look see >> next thing you know they are deputy PM.

 

There, but by the grace of God (/or the region's biggest Mafia), go I. 

13 hours ago, hughrection said:

Hey, hey, hey, I don't see a problem here. Move on PP.

 

He only: claimed a PhD from an unaccredited institution, was convicted of conspiring to import heroin into Australia, was detained for 3 years about the abduction and death of an individual, had his army rank revoked as a result, was sacked from a government for trying to oust Chan-O- Cha, and then expelled from the PP in 2022. 

He also has unexplained wealth of 42 million Australian dollars equivalent.

 

Also has a Rolls-Royce and a Bentley & 2 wives.

 

Apart from these, he's as clean as a whistle. 🙂 

Well you have to admire his taste in ....cars!

About the two wives is that legal?

14 hours ago, hughrection said:

Also has a Rolls-Royce and a Bentley & 2 wives.

Photo of wives?

43 minutes ago, Jim Blue said:

Well you have to admire his taste in ....cars!

About the two wives is that legal?

Having two legally registered wives is

not legal in Thailand; Thai law requires monogamy and prohibits bigamy, making it a criminal offense to marry someone while already legally wed to another.

 

However, polygamous relationships (often called mia noi or "minor wife") are culturally common and exist outside the legal framework

43 minutes ago, MikeandDow said:

Having two legally registered wives is

not legal in Thailand; Thai law requires monogamy and prohibits bigamy, making it a criminal offense to marry someone while already legally wed to another.

 

However, polygamous relationships (often called mia noi or "minor wife") are culturally common and exist outside the legal framework

Thai court is nog recognized in most countries so one could be married with a second wife in another country, case closed.

34 minutes ago, ChaiyaTH said:

Thai court is nog recognized in most countries so one could be married with a second wife in another country, case closed.

Don't know what NOG  is !!!     A legally registered Thai marriage certificate is  recognized world wide so your statement is rubbish 

3 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Photo of wives?

Ask, and ye shall receive. Don't fancy yours. 🙂

On 12/5/2025 at 4:53 PM, dinsdale said:

The push begins. The tactical move by PP to oust PTP and allow Anutin to be PM may be a masterstroke. Of course my main concern as I'm sure is that of every other person who wants to see change in Thailand is that the establishment (military/elites/royalists) will usurp the people's vote once again when the PP win the next election either by the corrupt court system or a coup. 

             I'm not sure that I want change in Thailand , especially as I have no idea what that change will be, ,Since I first came here 30 or more years ago I have seen little in the way of changes ,implemented by any administration , that have been of much if any benefit to the population , with the exception of the 30bt medical scheme , and no changes at all that have benefitted us, the ex-pats,

           The current proposed tax changes are a fine example of things "not improving" along with the recent banking issues.  A lot of these changes are not the brainchilds of the Thai government but are being almost forced upon them by globalist organisations like the WEF  and OECD, 

          I fear these "new kid on the block" so called advocates of democracy  (if there is such a thing ) will not offer up much resistance to these organisations despite the inevitable threat to independence and sovereignty, compared to the more conservative "royalists and elites"

          I personally would be happy for prayut to return , a military government somehow doesn't seem to bad in comparison to what has been in power since.    Hopefully the Shinawatra Dynasty is gone for ever and Anutin can find a way  get rid of the peoples party and assume full  control   

On 12/6/2025 at 11:45 AM, MikeandDow said:

Don't know what NOG  is !!!     A legally registered Thai marriage certificate is  recognized world wide so your statement is rubbish 

You may find that it needs to be translated by an officially registered translator and indeed legalised, which could be challenging or even impossible in some places. so your statement is not much better.   It would also be easy to marry here whilst already married in the UK for example, its only a case of stating one is single on the affidavit (that nobody checks)

30 minutes ago, Bday Prang said:

You may find that it needs to be translated by an officially registered translator and indeed legalised, which could be challenging or even impossible in some places. so your statement is not much better.   It would also be easy to marry here whilst already married in the UK for example, its only a case of stating one is single on the affidavit (that nobody checks)

Utter Rubbish !!!