Tone Bangkae submitted additional evidence, explained his complaint against "Big Tao," affirmed he was threatened, and lamented being labeled by society as a debt evader. He insists he has continuously made payments without defaulting.
At 13:00 on 8 May 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Thonthong Sukkhaen or Tone Bangkae accompanied by his lawyer, met with Pol. Lt. Col. Weerawat Kittisuban, deputy investigation chief at Phahonyothin Police Station, to identify the individuals he planned to file complaints against. Some names were unknown, so he provided photos. He also handed over all key evidence related to the case to investigators, following his earlier complaint against Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat Pankaew.DeputyCommander of the Crime Suppression Division, Madam Keng, and a total of five people.
After a one-hour interrogation, Tone Bangkae spoke to the media, affirming that he has never defaulted on debt payments and has consistently paid principal and interest. Some assets came from over ten years of business, and many he owned before meeting Madam Keng. Regarding the 152 amulets pledged as collateral for a 180-million-baht loan, which were valued between 400 and 500 million baht, he confirmed that Mr. T, a close associate of Madam Keng, appraised the amulets. Tone also bought some of these amulets from Mr. T, who was responsible for the second appraisal valuing them at 35-40 million baht.
Regarding speculation on whether Tone and Mr. T were colluding, Tone acknowledged that Mr. T's appraisal covered the collateral provided. The 400-500 million baht figure was never his claim; he only knew the 152 amulets exceeded the 180-million-baht loan amount. As for the second appraisal valuing the amulets at just 35-40 million baht, Tone said he was unaware if this discrepancy caused Madam Keng’s dissatisfaction.
When questioned why the amulets valued at 400-500 million baht were not sold to repay debts, Tone explained that his assets are not only cash but includemany itemsthat he has gradually used to pay off debts. All payments relate to acknowledging debts under two contracts with accrued interest. To understand the facts, he suggested asking "Aun Kogi," a renowned amulet expert who paid Madam Keng interest fees totaling 200 million baht. Tone, who borrowed 800 million baht, emphasized the interest he must pay and affirmed that if Madam Keng lacked trust, she would not invest with him.
Regarding allegations of a coordinated scheme, Tone insisted he is not involved with other named individuals. He focuses only on himself and Madam Keng. Some of those named remain his debtors, but their involvement arose after he filed a complaint at the Royal Thai Police Headquarters. He urged the public to draw their own conclusions. Admitting he felt pressured when he came forward yesterday due to public interest in the case, he said that if there were any summons or warrants, he would cooperate and not flee. He lamented being branded a debt evader and questioned whether an amulet expert would dare sue a senior police officer if the threats against him were untrue. He confirmed all assets have been used to pay interest. Regarding background connections,he suggested reviewing the motives of the financiers.