Lawyers for Ben Smith say he will not yet return to Thailand to fight an arrest warrant linked to a dispute over Laos share purchases, citing a lack of confidence in the Thai justice system. His legal representative, Witoon Kengngan, said the allegation filed by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) concerns a civil dispute over a share transaction with a Lao company, not fraud or money laundering as previously alleged. He argued that claims portraying Smith as a scammer were politically motivated.

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Witoon held a press conference after police issued the warrant, stating that the charge relates to a dispute with a company in Laos. He said this confirmed earlier comments by Anutin Charnvirakul that Smith was a businessman or broker, not a scammer. He added that the allegation differs from claims made in parliament by Rangsiman Rome, who had described Smith as a major scam figure.

The lawyer said the complaint alleges damages of 991 million baht, yet authorities seized assets worth more than 10 billion baht. He questioned the proportionality of the seizure, noting that 991 million baht was the amount cited in the predicate offence submitted to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO). He said most of the matter concerns a civil dispute.

Witoon outlined three irregularities: the complainant company in Laos has not been publicly named; an earlier complaint filed in 2024 reportedly lacked proper authorisation documents until a new complaint was filed on 9 February; and an arrest warrant was issued on 26 February after a criminal case number was assigned on 12 February. He said the speed of the process was unusual and called for consistent standards in all cases.

He also questioned how a fraud complaint relating to events in 2022 was accepted in 2024, given that private fraud cases typically require a complaint within three months of awareness. He noted that a similar “ordinary business” fraud case involving lawyer Tattam had resulted in a civil court order returning assets.

Witoon said Smith had previously provided a statement to CIB officers on 10 July 2024, with receipt acknowledged. He claimed assets were seized before a criminal case proceeded, which he described as irregular.

Thaitabloid reported that Smith has not indicated whether he will eventually return to Thailand, with Witoon saying bail is difficult in high-profile cases. He added that any final decision would depend on whether bail consistent with international standards would be granted. Further evidence may be submitted after consultation. Witoon declined to disclose Smith’s current location.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 4 Mar 2026

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