The Criminal Court on Monday rejected petitions for arrest warrants against Pawoot Pongvitayapanu, a list-MP from the People's Party (PP), and over 20 other individuals implicated in the Forex-3D scandal.
Investigators from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) had submitted evidence seeking 24 arrest warrants in total, according to media reports.
After a detailed review, the court approved arrest warrants for only two suspects, citing clear victim testimony and strong supporting evidence. However, they did not disclose the names of those with arrest warrants. The remaining 22, including Mr Pawoot, were not subject to arrest warrants, with the court ruling that summonses were sufficient in their cases.
The court emphasised that its decision was based on careful consideration of the evidence, underscoring its commitment to prevent the judicial process from being exploited for political purposes.
Earlier Monday morning, Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon Naowarat told the media at Government House that the DSI had submitted requests for 30 arrest warrants targeting both individuals and legal entities involved in the alleged forex investment scam.
Asked whether Mr Pawoot was among those named, the minister confirmed he was and added that, if the court approves the warrant requests, investigators will proceed to question the suspects.
Mr Pawoot issued a statement on Monday on his personal Facebook account to clarify that he had already provided testimony to the DSI as a witness last week and had fully cooperated with the authorities.
"I am currently compiling additional documents to demonstrate my innocence on all points," he said, saying throughout his business career he has never been involved in scams, money laundering, or fraud.
PP deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakun questioned the authorities' urgency in seeking an arrest warrant for Mr Pawoot, arguing that he had already cooperated with investigators and shown no indication of fleeing.
Ms Sirikanya also suggested that legal action against Mr Pawoot could be politically motivated, as he has exposed several government-related projects.
Mr Pawoot previously submitted documents after being questioned over 28-million-baht transfers linked to Spark Digital.
