Big Tao hits back at Tone Bangkae, a renowned amulet expert, saying the story is completely different. He denies receiving a 30% commission and exposes a scheme of circulating amulets involving fake experts. Meanwhile, investigators have charged Tone and two others out of nine suspects. All eyes are on tomorrow when victims will hold a press conference about damages exceeding 5 billion baht. Tags: [amulet fraud, police investigation, Tone Bangkae, Big Tao, financial damages]
At 15:00 on 5 May 2026 at the Central Investigation Bureau headquarters, Police Major General Jaroonkiat Pangkaew, Deputy Commander of the bureau, addressed allegations made by a famous amulet expert who filed a complaint with the Royal Thai Police claiming he was threatened and pressured to pay debts to creditors. Jaroonkiat said the matter is under review to determine if Tone's claims are factual or damaging, especially since the annual appointment period for 2026 is near. He reserved the right to consult legal counsel about possible counteractions but noted it is Tone’s right to complain. He added he preferred not to retaliate and has tried to avoid conflict, affirming his commitment to truth and fairness.
Police Major General Jaroonkiat explained the background: the case began early 2025 when Ms. Dorn Tienthavawong, also known as Hi-So Keng, a victim, filed a complaint about a group of nine amulet experts, including Tone Bangkae, who defrauded her by selling fake amulets during 2025-2026, causing over 2 billion baht in damages. The group would pretend to lease amulets worth 10 million baht by providing a check guarantee, then ask to take the amulet first. Another group would then offer to lease the same amulet at a higher price with another check guarantee. These two groups would stage disputes and claim to have pawned the amulet for 20 million baht, urging the victim to redeem it through Madam Keng to avoid seizure. Investigations revealed this scheme was repeated with many victims, accumulating over 5 billion baht in losses. So far, investigators have charged three suspects, including Tone, with fraud.
Regarding the rumors between Tone and himself, Jaroonkiat insisted they are unrelated matters. He preferred not to comment further and arranged for the victims and their lawyers to speak tomorrow. He reaffirmed that the claim he received a 30% commission for debt collection is untrue.
About the incident on 17 April, he confirmed he did not summon Tone but that Tone contacted him voluntarily to act as an intermediary to negotiate and mediate between the two parties.
Jaroonkiat further confirmed he never forced or threatened Tone and never said, “If you’re not ready to talk, just walk away.” Instead, he said, “If you’re not ready to talk, you may leave,” emphasizing voluntary mediation. The negotiation that day ended without agreement because Tone claimed he had no assets. However, investigations found Tone owns several assets valued over 60 million baht. On 24 April, Tone's lawyer presented several luxury branded bags and vehicle registrations worth less than the check guarantees, causing negotiations to fail again.
On whether Tone was working for anyone, Jaroonkiat said he did not know but that police have evidence contradicting Tone’s account. He warned the public that if they encounter snakes along with these amulet experts, they should ‘strike the amulet experts first’ because they are 'empty-paper experts.'
Jaroonkiat emphasized that there are many more facts he prefers not to disclose to avoid appearing biased. He will let the victims reveal the full truth themselves. It is expected that tomorrow the victims will hold a press conference to explain all facts in detail.