Thailand’s deputy finance minister, Vorapak Tanyawong, announced his resignation on Wednesday. This decision comes amidst serious allegations linking him and his wife to a sprawling network of cybercrime hubs operating out of Cambodia. This vast criminal enterprise in Southeast Asia is believed to have stolen tens of billions of dollars from victims globally.
The minister’s announcement was prompted by media reports suggesting his involvement with these scam operations and claims that his wife received a substantial bribe from a Cambodian cybercrime group. Vorapak Tanyawong has vehemently denied these accusations, stating he is stepping down to ensure his personal matters do not burden the government and to protect the integrity of Thailand’s ongoing investigation into the scam network, an effort he was ironically chosen to lead. He also declared his intention to pursue legal action against what he considers defamatory reports.
During a news conference, Vorapak Tanyawong asserted, “I do not support illegal transactions and will not defend anyone who violates any law, whether in Thailand or abroad.” He added that he felt “slandered” by the accusations leveled against him.
Criminal organizations frequently exploit the often-uncontrolled border regions in Southeast Asian countries like Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. These areas serve as fertile ground for orchestrating online frauds that target individuals worldwide.
In recent times, Thailand, alongside global powers such as China, the United States, Britain, and South Korea, has intensified its efforts against these criminal networks. Just last month, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul specifically appointed Vorapak Tanyawong to spearhead Thailand’s fight against online fraud.
However, the pressure on Vorapak Tanyawong intensified following investigative reports, including one by the group Whale Hunting, which highlighted his alleged connections to these scam centers. These reports also claimed his wife received $3 million in cryptocurrency this year from Cambodian criminal networks.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Anutin requested a written explanation from Vorapak Tanyawong regarding the allegations, receiving a three-page response. Anutin expressed regret over the resignation, calling it “a pity.”
“No one pressured him,” the prime minister clarified at a separate news conference. “He must have considered the big picture.”
Public outrage has surged, particularly after a tragic incident in August where a 22-year-old university student from South Korea was found dead with signs of torture in Cambodia. Officials in South Korea have reported that many workers are lured to these scam centers by false promises of high-paying jobs. In response to the student’s death, which Cambodian authorities linked to the scam network, more than 60 South Koreans involved in these operations were deported this week.