Leaked photos showing alleged money laundering mastermind Benjamin Mauerberger, alias “Ben Smith”, posing with several high-profile Thai political, police, military and business figures have stirred controversy and raised questions about his alleged influence and protection.
Among those in one of the pictures are Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, former army chief Gen Apirat Kongsompong, former senator Upakit Pachariyangkun, and former national police inspector-general Pol Gen Visanu Prasarttongosoth.
Rangsiman Rome, a People’s Party MP, is among those who have questioned the implications of the images.
Writing on his Facebook page, the opposition MP questioned whether Mauerberger’s apparent connections were the reason authorities have not dared to take action against him, noting that no arrest warrant has been issued to date.
“Are they protecting him?” he asked, adding that an Interpol red notice to pursue him abroad appears unlikely to ever materialise.
Mauerberger has been the subject of a two-year investigation by former Wall Street Journal reporters Tom Wright and Bradley Hope.
Their Whale Hunting website documents how Mauerberger, using connections with senior business and political figures in Thailand and Cambodia, built a “shadow empire” valued at an estimated $1.5 billion.
Financial adviser
Their reports note that Mauerberger, married to a former Thai model, moved effortlessly through Thai hi-so circles in his role as a financial adviser.
One story details how he structured the purchase of a $60-million Bombardier private jet for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to obscure its true ownership in the event that he might ever face an asset seizure.
Mauerberger, who is alleged to have helped Cambodia-based scammers launder billions of dollars, is reported to have left Thailand in September and is now believed to be in Dubai.
Mr Rangsiman asked whether the government’s recent high-profile asset seizures were merely an attempt to ease public pressure, speculating that the assets could eventually be returned to transnational scam operators.
“Is the government serious about cracking down? When will the victims get their money back?” he asked.
Mr Rangsiman implied that Deputy Prime Minister Thamanat Prompow has been able to retain his position because he may hold some secrets, preventing the prime minister from removing him despite alleged links to Mauerberger.
Thamanat, who served four years in an Australian prison for heroin smuggling in the 1990s, has denied any such connections.
The opposition MP said it was astonishing that scam networks could wield such influence in Thailand, operating through extensive and deeply entrenched connections. He questioned whether state officials had the courage to confront grey-money groups that were tightening their grip on the country.
The photos were posted online only hours after Prime Minister Anutin presided over a press conference to announce a crackdown on major scam networks on Wednesday.
On Thursday, the prime minister and two other key figures in the photos came out to explain the matter and deny any personal ties.
Popular news-talk TV host Sorayuth Suthassanachinda, on his morning programme Rueng Lao Chao Nee, said he had spoken with Mr Anutin, who explained that the images were old photos taken in 2014.
Another photo posted by TV anchorman Sorayuth Suthassanachinda shows Benjamin Mauerberger (second from right) having meals and drinks with high-profile figures. (Photo: Kammakorn Khao Facebook page, Sorayuth Suthassanachinda)
The prime minister recalled that after the 2014 military coup, he travelled to Singapore, where he happened to meet a delegation led by Gen Apirat Kongsompong, then commander of the 1st Division. Mauerberger was also present at the gathering.
Mr Anutin said he remembered the encounter when the photos resurfaced, but insisted he had no personal relationship with Mauerberger.
At the time there were no allegations linking Mauerberger to any scam operations, and the encounter was only a shared meal with several people.
“There was no personal association,” said Mr Anutin, adding that under the current government, authorities had seized assets belonging to Mauerberger and Cambodian businessman Yim Leak, and would continue to proceed with legal action.
The prime minister added that he had long been aware of some of the discussions surrounding the businessman. When Mauerberger later attempted to apply for Thai citizenship, Mr Anutin said he was serving as interior minister and did not approve the application.
Former army chief responds
Gen Apirat, who later rose to become the army chief and retired in 2020, also sent a message to Sorayuth, explaining the circumstances of the photos.
“I have seen the images and would like to clarify that the first photo was taken in 2014 during a study trip to Singapore as part of the National Defence College programme,” Gen Apirat wrote. “A friend introduced us to Ben Smith, a businessman, and we had a meal together. Everyone paid for their own meal.
“The second photo was taken at my daughter’s wedding, which was attended by many guests. I confirm that I was not close to Ben Smith.”
Mr Ekniti, who also serves as finance minister, on Thursday denied any link to Mauerberger. He said the photo was taken during a social gathering held as part of a senior executive training programme organised by the Royal Thai Police.
The event was attended by dozens of participants, including senior figures from both the public and private sectors across various fields.
“I was merely one of the attendees, just like many other guests who were there to meet and exchange greetings as is customary at social events,” he said.
Vorapak Tanyawong, a deputy finance minister under Mr Ekniti, resigned last month after reports linked him to transactions arranged by Mauerberger to take control of the Thai investment bank Finansia X Plc.
The Thai Securities and Exchange Commission has had little to say about the Finansia case, beyond explaining that it can investigate alleged misconduct only under the scope of the Securities and Exchange Act.
