Thai PBS Verify found the source from: Facebook
A screenshot reveals a post from the “CSI LA” Facebook page, circulating an image of Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul alongside Mr. Ben Smith.
Thai PBS Verify looked into a post from the Facebook page “CSI LA” which shared an image of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, also acting as Minister of Interior and leader of Bhumjaithai Party, alongside Mr. Ben Smith (aka Benjamin Mauerberger). Mr. Smith is a South African businessman who has recently been the subject of reports regarding potential links to scammer networks. The post was accompanied with a text: “Ben, everything is for you. Everything is about Ben; Ben is everywhere and knows everyone. Ben has been a fixture in Thai politics for over 20 years.”
Published on February 7, 2026 or the day before the general election, the post gained significant traction, garnering over 50,000 reactions and being shared more than 4,600 times.
Was the image AI-generated?
To verify this, the image was processed through AI detection tools, including Google Lens‘s search for “SynthID” watermarks. The analysis confirmed that the image was indeed created by Google’s AI.
A screenshot of the verification results shows that the Google Lens image inspection tool identified details indicating the image was created by Google AI.
What is the SynthID digital watermark?
SynthID is a digital watermark embedded into images generated or edited by Google’s AI. Even if the image is subsequently edited, the SynthID metadata remains embedded. Utilizing two distinct neural networks, the technology subtly adjusts individual pixel values to a degree imperceptible to the human eye, yet detectable for verification purposes. This system serves to confirm whether an image originates from Google AI. Typically, a four-pointed star (Sparkle) icon is used as a symbol to indicate that a feature, whether for text generation, image editing, or data summarization, is powered by artificial intelligence.
Statement from PM Anutin Charnvirakul
According to a report by Thai PBS on February 7, 2026, Mr. Anutin held a press conference regarding the circulation of the image showing him dining with Ben Smith on the final day of the election campaign. He asserted that “The image was AI-generated.”
He also spoke about some points of observation.
“The caption indicates the year of 2005. At that time, I served as the Deputy Minister of Commerce. While that was indeed when I first met Mr. Ben, the original encounter involved a group of people standing in a line. I am uncertain of the true intention behind the release of this image. Furthermore, I do not recognize the woman seated next to me. Initially, I assumed she might be a friend or an acquaintance, but upon closer inspection, her face is entirely unfamiliar. Beyond that, had this photo been taken in 2005, I would have appeared significantly younger than I did in the image.
“Even if the photo had been taken 20 or 30 years ago, I do not see how it would constitute any wrongdoing or legal violation. In this past month alone, while working on the ground, I have likely taken thousands, if not tens of thousands, of photos with the public. As a public figure, it is impossible to refuse a photo request simply because someone looks ‘untrustworthy.’ What matters most is the intent. In this era of political campaigning and modern technology, a photo can be taken at any moment. However, I maintain a clear boundary: do not engage in business transactions or associate with individuals accused of activities that potentially violate constitutional laws.”
Below is the video Statement from Mr. Anutin (in Thai).
Who is Ben Smith?
Ben Smith, or by his legal name, Benjamin Mauerberger, is a South African businessman and investor with extensive connections across Southeast Asia. He gained significant notoriety in Thailand following a parliamentary debate by Mr. Rangsiman Rome, then-MP from the People’s Party, who had alleged that Smith is a key figure linked to transnational scam networks and “grey money” (illicit capital). In December 2025, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) seized assets valued at over 10 billion baht from a network reportedly linked to Yim Leak and Ben Smith.
The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has seized assets totaling more than 10 billion baht from a network allegedly linked to Yim Leak and Ben Smith.
Ben Smith has denied all allegations, asserting that he never committed any criminal offense. He has subsequently authorized his legal counsel to file a defamation lawsuit against Mr. Rangsiman Rome, seeking 100 million baht in damages. While the Criminal Court has officially accepted the case for trial.
Regarding Mr. Anutin, while he has previously appeared in photographs with Ben Smith, he clarified that these encounters occurred at routine social events as a “friend of a friend.” He maintains that there is no personal or business relationship between them. Furthermore, during his tenure as Minister of Interior, Mr. Anutin notably rejected Ben Smith’s application for Thai citizenship.
A photo of Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul shows him alongside Mr. Ben Smith, whom Mr. Anutin later stated was merely a friend of a friend.
What is the truth?
The image in question was “fake” (AI-Generated)
The image being shared by the CSI LA page and across social media was not an actual photograph, but the one created with artificial intelligence. A SynthID watermark was detected traces of Google’s digital watermark embedded within the image pixels, which is used to confirm that this image was created by Google AI.
