Thai Deputy Finance Minister Resigns Amid Scam Allegations
Bangkok, Thailand — In a stunning political development on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Thailand’s Deputy Finance Minister Vorapak Tanyawong announced his resignation following explosive allegations linking him—and his wife—to the very Cambodian cybercrime networks he was tasked with dismantling.
Scam Network Allegations Rock Thai Government
Vorapak, who had been recently appointed to lead Thailand’s crackdown on transnational online fraud operations, denied all accusations but stepped down “to avoid burdening the government” and to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
According to investigative reports by Whale Hunting and other regional media outlets, Vorapak’s wife allegedly received $3 million in cryptocurrency from Cambodian-based scam syndicates earlier this year. These criminal hubs, often disguised as call centers or tech firms, have lured thousands of victims—particularly from South Korea, China, and the U.S.—with fake job offers before forcing them into digital fraud schemes.
A Minister Tasked With Fighting Crime—Now Accused of Enabling It
The irony hasn’t gone unnoticed. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had personally appointed Vorapak just weeks ago to spearhead Thailand’s anti-scam initiative, part of a broader regional effort involving the U.S., China, South Korea, and the U.K. Now, the credibility of that mission is under intense scrutiny.
At a press conference, Vorapak maintained his innocence, stating: “I do not support illegal transactions and will not defend anyone who violates any law, whether in Thailand or abroad.” He added that he plans to pursue legal action against what he called “defamatory” media reports.
Regional Fallout and Rising Public Outrage
The scandal comes amid growing international pressure to dismantle Southeast Asia’s booming cybercrime economy. The situation intensified after the August discovery of a 22-year-old South Korean university student’s body in Cambodia—bearing signs of torture—linked directly to one of these scam compounds.
In response, Cambodian authorities this week deported over 60 South Korean nationals tied to the illicit operations. Meanwhile, Thailand’s own reputation as a regional leader in financial oversight is now at stake.
Timeline of the Scandal
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 2025 | Vorapak Tanyawong appointed to lead anti-scam task force |
| Early October 2025 | Whale Hunting publishes report linking Vorapak’s wife to $3M crypto payment |
| October 21, 2025 | PM Anutin requests written explanation from Vorapak |
| October 22, 2025 | Vorapak resigns publicly, denies all allegations |
What This Means for Thailand’s Anti-Scam Campaign
With Vorapak’s departure, the leadership of Thailand’s anti-fraud initiative is now in limbo. Experts warn that without transparent oversight and swift replacement, criminal networks may exploit the power vacuum to expand operations—especially along the porous Thai-Cambodian border.
Prime Minister Anutin described the resignation as “a pity” but emphasized that no one pressured Vorapak to step down. “He must have considered the big picture,” Anutin said.
