Bangkok: "Film Rattapoom" appeared before the DSI (Department of Special Investigation) as summoned in the Forex case. At 10:35 AM on August 3rd, at the Government Complex, Building C, 2nd floor, DSI lobby, Chaeng Wattana Road, Bangkok, Mr. Rattapoom Tokongsup, or Film, a well-known actor, along with his lawyer, arrived to meet with DSI investigators as summoned. He was there to be informed of charges in a Forex trading case involving unauthorized transactions. The charges include conspiracy to defraud the public through fraudulent loan schemes, operating a securities brokerage business without a license, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, among others. He was also given the opportunity to clarify and refute the charges.
According to Thai News Agency, the charges stem from transactional connections found to his relationship with Etherwealth Co., Ltd., identified as a brokerage network, and a transfer of 6,000,100 baht from Mr. Phuritut on June 26, 2014, bringing the total accumulated transaction value to 142,919,860.13 baht. Furthermore, Mr. Rattapoom Tokongsap has financial connections to a brokerage firm, HF Markets (SV) Ltd, registered in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Many brokers are registered offshore to avoid Thai regulation, which complicates legal proceedings and asset recovery for investors in case of disputes. Investigators are preparing to question the nature of these financial transactions and his role in relation to Etherwealth Co., Ltd. and HF Markets (SV) Ltd.
Attorney Praman Leungwattana revealed before bringing Mr. Rattapoom to meet with the Special Investigation Unit that he was bringing his client to meet with the investigators as a suspect. He stated that they would only address the issues the investigators had raised, particularly any relevant points they had gathered. He added that any documents would be submitted later. Furthermore, he clarified that the news reports concerning the disputes were unrelated to Mr. Rattapoom, such as the payment gateway companies that transferred money into his bank accounts. He emphasized that Mr. Rattapoom is not involved in these matters.
Attorney Praman also addressed rumors about Mr. Rattapoom receiving a transfer of 142 million baht from Mr. Phuritut, stating that the source of this information is unknown and they do not know the exact amount involved. The allegations are based on general claims previously reported in the news, such as fraud and violations of the Emergency Decree on Fraudulent Public Lending. He emphasized the need to review the allegations and evidence first before proceeding further.
Mr. Rattapoom, or Film, stated that regarding the allegations linking him to a group of brokers, he firmly denies any connection. He acknowledges that there might be financial trails connecting him to companies where he serves as a director, but he emphasizes that he is not a broker and has never solicited investments. He notes that misunderstandings may have arisen because he only provides system services. He has all necessary documents to support his claims and can explain the transfers and reasons for each transaction.
Mr. Rattapoom further clarified that the news reports about his financial trail linking him to a transfer of 142 million baht from his brother are false. He expressed confusion over why such a large sum would be associated with him and considers it fabricated news. He confirmed that neither Etherwealth Co., Ltd. nor HFM Co., Ltd. belong to him and is questioning why his name appears in the DSI's investigation.
Mr. Rattapoom also stated he had never heard of the companies mentioned in the news before and expressed a desire to listen to the investigating officers without concern. Regarding the bail application at the investigative stage, he believes that because some accused individuals had previously appeared to acknowledge the charges and were detained by the court, the authorities would be fair.
Meanwhile, regarding Mr. Pawut Pongwitthayaphanu, or Pom, a list MP from the People's Party, the Special Investigation Unit, Technology and Information Crime Division, has issued a second summons to him. This follows Mr. Pawut's earlier request to postpone the second summons to August 3, 2026, citing a committee meeting. Investigators acknowledged the request and scheduled a meeting for 2:00 PM today.