After Tonkao Pandita Saengchan former Miss Grand Singhburi 2025, married Bangmat Klongton or Mr. Wanchai Main a former prisoner convicted of serious crimes, at the Ban Jongburi Hotel, Surat Thani Province, on 20 Feb 2026 GMT+7, the event caused a stir. Many viewed her negatively, accusing her of marrying for money. Recently, Tonkao spoke candidly with Thairath Entertainment about the controversy.
Asked about the perception that she married Bangmat for his wealth,
“Marrying a rich man is seen as lucky, a destiny for me. Those who say I married for money may not truly understand me. If I choose someone to marry, I don't look at just one reason. Rich men are everywhere, but this man must have more than wealth for me to choose him. He takes great care of me, pays attention to everything. Most importantly, he honors me and is publicly committed only to me. If it were just wealth, I wouldn't accept.”
How long did he court you?
“It was quite a while. Also, when he courted me, I entered his social circle. He taught me how to earn a living until I became a professional. He taught me everything, even how to close deals. Thanks to him, I now have my own business.”
Why did you open your heart to him?
“At first, I was afraid too. But once I met him, he treated me very well, never crossed any lines until we committed to each other. While we were together, he took good care of me. He drinks but never pressured me to drink. He behaved very respectfully.”
Did that change your perception of him?
“Yes. His social circle is good; he's a hardworking businessman. I wanted to be part of that society. Being in a good environment makes me better. I’ve become a business owner of a supplement brand.”
As a beautiful woman, did handsome rich men try to court you?
“Honestly, yes. My husband knows younger, rich, handsome men have approached me. He once said I have the right to choose. But I chose him because he’s different — he cares for me more, treats me better, and teaches me to work and run a business. I believe a man who offers more than love—who builds a career for me—is special.”
Did your family support the relationship?
“Oh… my mother initially disliked it and was against it because of his controversial background. So I took her out for meals a few times, brought Bangmat to Surat Thani to eat with my family. My mother opened up after seeing I was becoming a better person, building myself up, developing, running a business, and genuinely working towards wealth, not just appearing rich.”
Is there a big age gap?
“Bangmat and I have a 30-year age difference. Did that affect us? At first, yes, we had to adjust. With such a gap, I’m the younger one who can be moody, and he’s an adult who bases decisions on reason. Living together requires compromise. He’s lived a full life, while I’m just starting out. He understands me, and I understand him.”
How do you feel about others’ perceptions of you?
“Sometimes I’m confused by the comments but I understand. Outsiders see the age gap and know my husband is wealthy, but they don’t know my background—I worked before, I have achievements. They just see a young woman with an older rich husband and assume money is the only reason. I can’t change their minds, so I just use that attention to keep building my career.”
Do you feel angry or hurt by those views?
“Sometimes I get annoyed but I don’t dwell on it or let it stress me out. Those words don’t affect my life.”
Does he encourage you?
“Yes, he does. He says our love is sweet and understands me. He believes all love is something to celebrate. I thank everyone who loves and supports me. I hope everyone will be kind to me.”
You said it’s not wrong for women to choose wealthy partners?
“It’s truly not wrong. Nobody wants hardship. I believe if others had my opportunity, they would choose the same. I’m a beauty queen with the right to choose. Why should I suffer? And I’m not idle—I sell glutathione. Bangmat is proud of me because to be wealthy, one must be smart. He’s smart enough to choose me for marriage, to hold a big wedding. He must see something in me that sets me apart.”
Are you afraid other women might approach him because he’s rich? How does he reassure you?
“The comfort he gives me is another reason I chose him. He makes me feel secure by being with me 24/7, though we both have work. He always comes home to sleep and never disappears. I’m not too worried about small talks with other women because he’s a man who gets attention. He lets me check his phone, but I don’t see the need. We talk and agree our rule is to seek happiness, not misery.”
Do you get along with his family?
“Yes. Bangmat has daughters named Meena and Mintra. Meena is three years older. When Bangmat first introduced me, he asked Meena if she was okay with him dating me. She said yes—as long as it was after her mother was gone. That made me very comfortable.”},{
