BANGKOK, 18 February 2012 – Thailand’s anti-money laundering office will, next week, explain to the public about the blacklisting of the country by an international agency.
Earlier this week, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an international body responsible for setting standards against money laundering and combatting the financing of terrorism, has named Thailand as one of 15 countries designated as “high risk”, due to a failure to take sufficient steps against money laundering and terrorist financing activities.
In its statement, FATF said that, despite an assurance from the Thai government to work with the agency and the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) in improving the strategic flaws concerning the anti-money laundering and in combatting the financing of terrorism, the country has lacked sufficient progress in the execution plan.
The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO)’s Acting Secretary-General, Pol. Col. Seehanat Prayoonrat, is now in France to have a meeting with the FATF.
The AMLO chief is due back in Thailand on Monday, when he is expected to hold a press conference to explain all issues and concerns, which the FATF has pointed out in its statement.
