Thailand’s Prime Minister Unfazed by Arrest Warrants for Alleged ‘Fixer’ Benjamin Mauerberger

Bangkok, Thailand – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has stated he will not interfere with the ongoing criminal investigation into South African businessman Benjamin Mauerberger, likewise known as Ben Smith, despite potential political ramifications. Arrest warrants have been issued for Mauerberger and his Thai wife, Cattaliya Beevor, in connection with a cross-border investment scam exceeding 1 billion baht in losses, according to reports.

Scam Allegations and International Flight

The police Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) obtained the arrest warrants for Mauerberger and Beevor, who reportedly left Thailand last September and are currently based in Dubai. The charges relate to a large-scale investment scam that investigators believe caused losses of over 1 billion baht. Authorities allege Mauerberger was also a key figure in laundering money for scam networks operating out of Cambodia.

Government Crackdown on Illicit Financial Flows

Anutin emphasized that the investigation is part of a broader crackdown on scam networks, “grey capital,” call-center gangs and illicit financial flows. “We ignore the names but look at behaviour,” he said, reiterating a focus on unlawful conduct regardless of an individual’s status or connections. Bangkok Post

Previous Connections and Denials

Mauerberger has maintained connections with prominent business and political figures in Thailand for many years. However, Prime Minister Anutin has acknowledged knowing Mauerberger but insists they are not close and have no business dealings. He described Mauerberger as “a friend of a friend of a friend.” The Nation Thailand

Viral Photos and Political Scrutiny

Photos of Anutin with Mauerberger surfaced online in December 2025, coinciding with the announcement of a nationwide crackdown on transnational scam networks, fueling political speculation. Anutin clarified the photos were taken in 2014 during a casual meeting in Singapore and that he has had no recent contact with Mauerberger. He also suggested the source of the leaked photos was known within the press corps. The Nation Thailand

AI-Generated Image Controversy

Prior to the surfacing of the photos, an AI-generated image depicting Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dining with Benjamin Mauerberger circulated online during Thailand’s February 8, 2026, general elections, raising questions about their purported ties. AFP Fact Check

Government Policy and Non-Interference

Acting Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has stated that the arrest warrants issued for Benjamin Mauerberger and his wife align with the government’s policy to combat alleged scam networks and money laundering. Thai Enquirer He has maintained that he does not interfere in ongoing investigations to avoid any perception of meddling. Bangkok Post