After Khaopod Pianporn Samitinnan became a victim in the fraud case involving her former close friend, Nana Rebine, which has been a hot topic for some time, recently, Khaopod attended the "UNLOCK BEAUTY SAFE ZONE" event launching the "Skin, by your design" campaign, where she opened up about the case's progress. She said, "Better a fistful of dirt than a fistful of farts," expressing hope to recover her money despite slim chances. She also shared feeling lucky to have friends, a warm family, and a husband she can rely on who doesn't destroy their life. At this event, Vicky Sunisa Jett, her close friend, came to support her.
Prosecutors filed charges against Nana and Way for joint fraud?
"I've been following the news all the time. Even when I try not to, people send me updates about 800 times a day. It's unavoidable. My lawyer and team have been supporting me through all the news, and we want to know how the public perceives this. So I follow it daily."
Earlier, police said there were 17 victims, but the latest prosecution lists only 11. Why the reduction?
"I haven't asked my lawyer about that detail because I only focus on my own case. I believe some victims have become witnesses instead. There are over 30 personal witnesses in our case besides the 11 actual victims."
As a victim, how do you feel about the accused being granted bail?
"Their bail is their right. If I were the defendant, I would fully exercise that right. I respect the court's decision. The court released them without detention so they can work and prepare their defense from outside, which means the court deemed it appropriate."
Do you think you'll get your money back?
"In my heart, I pray every day to God to get my money back, but I don't expect full recovery. I highly value justice. I've often heard about such cases, like Mae Chomoi's investment scam, taught by my parents since childhood. I didn't expect to experience this myself. It's a cautionary tale showing these crimes often come from those we trust most—family and close friends. It's the closest danger that can happen to anyone and is part of life in today's society, which is increasingly difficult."
What are the next steps?
"The court scheduled the next hearing for 25 May to review all evidence. We'll see if we need to testify. Our lawyers are fully prepared. We have three chat threads between me and the defendants with detailed evidence including voice clips and financial trails, which we've submitted to the prosecution. I think our evidence is solid. My lawyer and friends are well prepared."
If you meet Nana and Way at court, will you be ready?
"I'm ready. I'm prepared to look them in the eye and smile. I pray for them every night; it brings me happiness. As for communication, we can talk. Nana called me about two weeks ago. We mostly discuss the case and compensation."
Have they made any offers?
"I told them 'better a fistful of dirt than a fistful of farts.' I don't know if that was acceptable. I told them whatever compensation is offered is better than nothing. I think they are trying to negotiate with the other 11 victims too, probably aiming for court mediation, which is fair. Those who are witnesses or victims not formally filing complaints should get some compensation first."
The damage amounts to 174 million baht. Do you think Nana and Way can gather enough to repay?
"Based on the financial trail so far, there is no collateral. I don't know if Nana has any assets, where they might be, or if they've been moved around. I pray to God for as much as possible but can't be sure."
Is the house and hair salon business enough to cover the debts if sold?
"Nana's house is listed for 69 million baht. I researched and think that price is unrealistic. I'm not sure if she really intends to sell at that price. She probably wants to, but no other house in the neighborhood sells for that much—most are around 40 million. So, that price is too high and might make selling difficult. I warned her about this, and she explained why she wants to keep the price."
Has Nana considered mortgaging the land and house?
"No. I think it's impossible for her current house to be worth 69 million. It's a bit too high and would be hard to sell."
Chances of recovering the money?
"For me, the chances are slim. From studying previous cases, such cases usually yield very little compensation. I've accepted that to some extent. Nana has called and messaged to negotiate, but only directly with me, not involving our lawyers. These are casual chats about well-being and our feelings."
Does Nana still call you?
"Yes. Once by chance, I was at a friend's event with Vicky and another person, and we ended up on a four-way call on speakerphone. I was hesitant to answer because I wasn't sure what to say and had to be careful."
Normally, you used to talk a lot, multiple times daily. How is it now?
"We've shifted from informal pronouns to polite forms—me and Nana. Mostly, we talk about compensation, but we're not at the stage of serious negotiation yet. Without lawyers present, I wouldn't even count those talks."
Do you think Nana and Way are working hard enough to generate funds to take responsibility?
"Vicky and I both do live sales. I understand roughly how much income that brings. I see Nana working hard at live selling too, which I support as honest work. However, that profession likely can't fully address the needs of the 11 victims."
Are your friends stressed?
"Everyone is very stressed, but believe it or not, my friends and I talk all the time. At least we have friends who love us. Without friends, life would be miserable. We have warm families, dependable husbands who don't ruin our lives, and supportive spouses. Our lives are moving in a better direction. Compared to many others, we are quite fortunate. Daily encouragement and being surrounded by good, kind people who wish each other well is our healing. We hope to have sincere, good people in our lives from now until the end."
Do you worry about them now?
"Do I worry? Honestly, I don't feel happy every day. There are bad days and good days. I can't imagine how hard it must be to be the accused—they probably have it much harder. I understand their life must be difficult. But when I saw Nana live streaming, she seemed cheerful and happy. Maybe she has spiritual support. I hope she does the best for herself and her child."
Would you be sad if they can't fully repay?
"Yes, but I've braced myself. This is the most expensive life lesson I've learned. As long as I have breath, youth, and mind, I'll keep working. I've earned before, so I can again. I'll treat this as money lost and teach my child as a cautionary tale. I already teach this daily. This is also a societal lesson: sometimes it's not only about blaming others but reflecting on ourselves. Greed can blind us. Normally, I'm smart and careful with money, but love and trust made me foolish. It's a cautionary tale for society."
What about Jensuda's recent posts?
"I've talked with Jensuda often. We all have similar thoughts. The 11 of us are united. We haven't received compensation yet, so I understand her posts. As I said, we need court mediation. Even if we start mediation now, it might not enter the justice process. I understand her reasons."
Are you prepared to accept if you don't get the money in the end?
"I don't want to be that pessimistic. I hope to get at least some, even half or two-thirds. I trust they will do the right thing. I also believe in karma—that everyone gets what they deserve. Though slow, I think our case is progressing fairly quickly. Thailand's justice system is good in this process. Justice must be transparent, and no matter how long, every case ends. My friends and I will wait for that day."
How is Jensuda's state of mind?
"She's been through a lot. We talk often, sometimes laughing over meals in our 'Bright Story' group, but there are days she wakes up sad, thinking about having to sell goods. Vicky and I have run businesses for 12 years; selling each item is hard work. Jensuda works hard selling clothes. She gets down sometimes. She copes by meditating, gardening, and spa visits. I read the Bible and pray. We talk with each other daily. These things help us feel better."
Summarize the creditors' suffering?
"They say we're still lucky to have good husbands, lovely children, good friends, and positive things in life. Despite suffering, we don't seek pity. Life has changed, but it makes us stronger. It has deepened my love for the people left in my life, especially my husband. I used to tease him, now I love him more and value loved ones exponentially. Maybe this is a silver lining within the hardship. Thanks to everyone for support. We must keep living. We can fall and get back up, earn money anew."
If the court summons all of you together, will you attend as a group?
"Definitely. We'll coordinate outfits, maybe have Jensuda design a theme. I'm not sure if the court will call us all at once, but I hope so. It would ease our sadness somewhat, like a little fun since we're together. We won't feel scared. Truth never dies. We're innocent. Holding hands with friends in court and dressing up nicely—just wait and see if that day comes. We'll fight on. Since it's a life lesson, might as well enjoy it."
You seem softer around Jensuda?
"Yes. I'm usually straightforward, but lately many seniors and lawyers advise me to watch my words. Without their guidance, I might have reacted worse. Now I'm more restrained, not 100% myself. If I were, I'd be scarier."Click to readEntertainment News Additional