After the Ratchada Criminal Court granted bail to two famous actors involved in The Icon case, including the leading actress, Min Pechaya Wattanamontree, and the male actor, Sam Yuranan Phamornmontri, with bail set at 1 million baht each, under the condition they are prohibited from leaving the kingdom without permission.
Most recently, Min Pechaya, along with Kelvin Tirawattanon, her boyfriend, and lawyer Thanakorn Waekwaree, Min’s attorney, spoke candidly to the press after Min was granted bail. When asked about her feelings today at court, Min said, “I’m happy and want to thank the court and everyone in the justice process who has given us the chance to fight the case outside.”
Regarding the court’s reason for granting bail, the lawyer explained it was because there was no flight risk. They have consistently denied the charges. Although bail was previously denied, they have always maintained their innocence, and the case has points to contest. Having no flight risk and a good record, the court kindly allowed them to continue fighting the case fully. Initially, they requested 3 million baht bail, but it was reduced to 1 million baht, with travel restrictions outside the country unless permitted, and a requirement to attend all court dates.
When asked if they had spoken with Sam about meeting the investigators, the lawyer said they had, as they came together. Regarding preparation of evidence and witnesses for the defense, the case is currently at the evidence inspection phase, with a court date set for 20 Jul.
It is well known that this case stems from the larger The Icon case, where Min was a presenter only briefly—about a year and a half during 2023-2024, according to the indictment. The complaint seems to cover everything, but the defense details will come later. In summary, they deny wrongdoing as alleged, similar to the prosecutor’s initial decision not to press charges.
Asked if this case is the same as the previous defendant's case, the lawyer said it is similar. When asked if they would oppose combining the cases if the prosecutor requested it and want separate trials for the two defendants, the lawyer said the cases cannot be combined because The Icon case’s evidence hearings took place from May to August, so they must be separate.
Regarding a possible second phase of the case under investigation, and whether they would be worried or prepare bail if charges are filed, the lawyer said they do not know about phase two but are not worried since they are only involved in their own part. They have consistently maintained no involvement in the alleged wrongdoing. As for phase two being an overseas case, they have not been notified of any charges and have no knowledge about it.
Reporters asked Min about her TikTok clip saying if charged, don’t lump everyone together but charge each offense separately. Min replied, “That’s exactly what I said. Until now, I haven’t been idle and have maintained my innocence throughout. I want all parties to receive the utmost justice because I hold firm to justice and still trust the court’s fairness. Therefore, I let the process run its proper course.”
When asked if any of the five charges filed apply to her, Min shook her head and said, “No.” Asked if she is confident in her evidence and witnesses, Min nodded, and the lawyer confirmed confidence in all charges. Regarding the next steps in the legal process, the lawyer said it will follow the court’s process with scheduled evidence inspections and witness hearings for both prosecution and defense. Asked if they will continue fighting to prove her innocence, the lawyer said sometimes innocence takes time, but justice, though delayed, will come.
When asked what weighs on her the most, Min answered, “Hmm… I really don’t know (laughs softly). I don’t know how to answer because since this huge issue started on 17 Oct, it has been overwhelming from the start. I’ve affirmed that I’m ready to go through the process, no matter how many times I must prove myself. I believe the truth is the truth and there is only one truth. Regarding parts I’m not involved in, I honestly don’t know what to say because I truly don’t know and learn things along with everyone else, who are all waiting for the truth, as am I. While waiting, I honestly don’t know how to respond.”
Asked how she would like The Icon to take action regarding her situation, Min replied, “I’m not sure how to feel because I don’t know who did what. I don’t want to add to anyone’s burden and sympathize with all parties. I think there are many involved, so I don’t know how to feel. Since this started, there has been no conversation, clearing of misunderstandings, or apologies. Communication ended after my press conference; since then, there has been no opportunity to do anything more. That’s it.”
Reporters asked if she wanted The Icon to take action to clear her name, given her insistence on no involvement. Min said, “I don’t know. I haven’t spoken with them at all. I don’t know what I would discuss because nothing is clear yet.”
Meanwhile, her lawyer stated that The Icon is fighting its own case, and they are fighting theirs. The two are not entirely related. Min was a presenter and fights her case accordingly, while The Icon defends itself against charges of being a pyramid scheme or direct selling. Her involvement with The Icon is clearly only as a presenter, so the cases are distinct. If The Icon wins, it benefits Min; if it loses, it does not necessarily mean Min loses, as the cases are separate.
When asked how this case has impacted Min’s life, she said, “Wow (looking at Kelvin, her boyfriend), how has it affected me? I don’t even know how to assess it. It’s huge.” Kelvin responded, “As someone who loves her, stands by her, and supports her, this has deeply affected our family, friends, loved ones, and relatives. I want to send a message that we respect the justice process.
In a time when people often rush to conclusions or accusations before knowing the facts, please understand that the person you’re talking about has a life, and what affects one person affects many family members, impacting their physical and mental health. Still, we all uphold the justice process, believe in her innocence, and everyone is ready to stand by Min, no matter what comes.”
Asked if Min is ready to reclaim her life, as many continue to support her, she replied, “I don’t know either (laughs softly). That’s enough for now. I’m quite tired today.” The lawyer added that she can continue to speak to the press at court since there is nothing to hide. Min continued, “Today, I would like to rest because it’s been a very long day.”
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