Lawyer Linked to 12 Million Baht
Thai police have verified that 12 million baht found near a garbage disposal in a Nonthaburi condominium on June 5, 2025, belonged to lawyer Taweewat Sengkaew. Reported on June 17, 2025, the discovery, initially reported by a resident, prompted an investigation led by Pol Lt Gen Surapol Prembut, who confirmed the money’s origin but stressed ongoing efforts to trace its source.
Discovery Sparks Investigation
Security Footage Reveals Movement
Security footage showed the cash being moved from Taweewat’s condominium unit in Muang Thong Thani to the garbage area, buried under old clothes in a plastic box. Taweewat claimed ownership, stating he mistakenly discarded the box, believing it contained only clothing. His explanation has raised questions, as he offered no clarity on how such a large sum ended up in the container.
Documents Found in Box
Connections to NBTC Uncovered
The box also held tax deduction documents and papers tied to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission, where Taweewat serves as an adviser. The findings intensified scrutiny, leading to his resignation from three National Anti-Corruption Commission subcommittees, where his wife is employed, amid public outcry over the case’s implications.
Financial Trail Under Scrutiny
Bank Records Requested
Investigators revealed the 12 million baht was withdrawn gradually from a Kasikornbank account in May 2020, receiving multiple transfers from various individuals. Pol Lt Gen Surapol declined to specify whether the account was personal or corporate but noted that detailed transaction records have been requested from the bank, which is compiling data to aid the probe.
No Gambling or Project Links
Speculative Claims Dismissed
Surapol firmly denied rumors linking the money to online gambling or four companies associated with the controversial Chana Industrial Estate project in Songkhla. The investigation, involving the Anti-Money Laundering Office and the NACC, has ruled out these connections, focusing instead on the financial transactions, withdrawal patterns, and business activities behind the funds.
Broader Investigation Scope
Multi-Agency Collaboration
The case has expanded to include multiple agencies meeting at Pak Kret police station on June 17 to coordinate efforts. The focus remains on uncovering the money’s origins, identifying individuals involved in the transfers, and understanding the nature of the transactions. This multi-agency approach underscores the case’s complexity and its potential implications for public trust.
Future Clarity Awaited
Financial Records Key to Case
With the bank’s transaction records still pending, investigators anticipate that these details will illuminate critical aspects of the case. The ongoing probe aims to resolve lingering questions about the money’s source and Taweewat’s actions, ensuring transparency in a case that has captured public attention and raised concerns about financial accountability in Thailand.
