Prosecutors delay forex indictment decision again - Bangkok Post

Prosecutors have postponed their decision for a second time on whether to indict People's Party list MP Pawoot Pongvitayapanu, actor Rattapoom "Film" Tokongsup, and 32 others in connection with an alleged foreign exchange (forex) investment scam.

A new hearing date has been set for Dec 4. They said further witness questioning and additional investigation results were still pending.

Special case prosecutors at the Office of the Attorney-General announced the postponement yesterday. The 34 suspects comprise 24 individuals and 10 companies.

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) had recommended prosecution on charges including public fraud, entering false information into a computer system and money laundering.

Mr Pawoot attended his second reporting appointment and said he had asked prosecutors to question additional witnesses, given the number of people involved. He denied operating a forex business, deceiving investors or persuading anyone to invest, saying his financial records were available for examination. He added that his lawyers were prepared to seek bail should he be indicted.

Mr Pawoot also questioned what he described as unequal treatment in the handling of cases. He cited cases involving Bhumjaithai Party MP Suchada Zhang Thaensap, whose husband has faced scrutiny over alleged links to an online gambling website, and Panadda Wongphudee, whose foundation is under investigation over questions surrounding the handling of donations.

He said his own case had progressed rapidly, with assets seized, while other cases had moved more slowly, raising questions about whether this was because he was an opposition MP.

Mr Rattapoom did not attend, having requested a postponement in advance because of an overseas commitment.