At 3:00 p.m. on 23 Jan at the second-floor press room of the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), Pol. Maj. Gen. Tatsapoom Jarupat, Commander of the Economic Crime Division, together with Pol. Col. Jamnan Chanthet, Head of Division 4, Economic Crime Division, addressed the case involving Mr. Prinya Inthachai . Also known as Way Thaitanium, and Ms. Raibena Inthachai , or Nana Raibena, who came to meet with investigators from the Economic Crime Division to be informed of additional charges. Previously, Way Thaitanium was charged with fraud.
After gathering further evidence, investigators found that beyond fraud, there is proof linking them to additional offenses, including using Way's bank accounts to transfer money back to victims. Consequently, the status was upgraded to joint fraud involving Nana, also constituting offenses under the Emergency Decree on Loan Sharks and pyramid schemes.
Investigators had issued summonses for both to appear, which were previously postponed. Today, their lawyers coordinated for Way Thaitanium and Nana to meet investigators to hear the new charges.
Today, Way Thaitanium denied the allegations, while Nana has additional circumstances to report due to new complaints from existing victims, including legal entities also charged at this session. The total losses rose from 150 million to 170 million baht, with the number of victims remaining at 17.
The Economic Crime Division Commander added that no new victims have come forward. Interviews with victims revealed none have received compensation for their losses. Some received returns resembling a pyramid scheme cycle, where returns to earlier investors are paid from funds obtained from new victims. Since the case began, no victims have been compensated.
When asked about creditors' concerns over repayments, Pol. Maj. Gen. Tatsapoom said that police and investigators focus on apprehending suspects for prosecution under the law. This is clearly a violation of the Emergency Decree on Loan Sharks, a fundamental offense. Legal action on money laundering is underway.
The police have reported the case to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to assign investigators to determine if money laundering laws have been violated. This is standard procedure. Upon receiving asset investigation reports, AMLO is responsible for distributing recovered assets fairly to victims according to their losses. Regarding asset seizure, if AMLO finds assets that cannot be proven as obtained before the crime, it is AMLO's responsibility to establish their status.
Pol. Col. Jamnan reassured that there is no need to worry. Investigators have compiled evidence including financial trails, witness testimony, physical evidence, and expert consultations. The case is expected to be finalized by mid-February. After conclusion, Way and Nana will be summoned to meet prosecutors when the case is submitted.
At midday the same day at the Crime Suppression Division, Mr. Saiyut Pengbunchoo, their lawyer, stated that Way met with Economic Crime Division investigators at 10:00 a.m. to acknowledge the additional charges as per legal procedures. However, case details cannot be disclosed as the client prefers confidentiality and the lawyer must observe professional ethics.
Mr. Saiyut added that details cannot be revealed because news coverage often generates negative comments impacting their live sales business. They prefer to keep the matter quiet as everything is now under legal process.
"If in the future Way Thaitanium or Nana wishes to make a public statement, they will do so through their lawyer. But today, they are not ready due to emotional and overall circumstances," Mr. Saiyut concluded.
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