People’s Party deputy leader Rangsiman Rome issued the warning after the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) seized assets worth about B10 billion linked to an online scam operation involving Thai businesswoman Tangthai Banmahing.
The financial trail led to bank accounts associated with Yim Leak, who has deep ties to Cambodian political elites and is seen as a central figure in a cross-border scamming syndicate, reports the Bangkok Post.
Mr Rangsiman said the network operates across several countries, funnelling illicit proceeds through BIC Bank Cambodia controlled by Yim Leak. The bank is also connected to Cambodia’s high-value Dara Sakor project, linked to Chinese national She Zhijiang, who was extradited to China on charges related to an illicit gambling empire. He added that BIC Bank may face British sanctions, underscoring the gravity of the case.
Mr Rangsiman said that Benjamin Mauerberger ‒ also known as ‘Ben Smith’ ‒ maintains extensive ties with Thai politicians, including Thamanat, and acts as an adviser to former Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen.
Reports by investigative journalist Tom Wright indicate Mr Mauerberger arranged private jets and luxury yachts for political figures. When Thaksin Shinawatra went to meet with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim off the Malaysian island of Langkawi in December 2024, the encounter took place on a Mauerberger-owned yacht. Thamanat joined Thaksin on the trip.
Admissions by Thamanat’s adviser, Thanadol Suwannarit, who confirmed handling legal matters for Mr Mauerberger, reinforce concerns over their connections, Mr Rangsiman said.
Mr Rangsiman himself is being sued by Mr Mauerberger, and he noted irregularities during a recent court hearing, including the inability of Mr Mauerberger’s lawyer to verify the authenticity of a passport copy.
Mr Rangsiman warned that the case illustrates a broader “grey capital” threat, illicit money infiltrating Thailand to buy influence and distort democratic processes. He also accused Thamanat of weaponising legal complaints against critics.
He urged the prime minister to dismiss Thamanat to safeguard the integrity of ongoing investigations and called for intensified cooperation with international agencies to dismantle the network.
“It is time for the government to remove Thamanat and move decisively to dismantle this network wherever it operates,” Mr Rangsiman said.