Hearing both sides behind the 2 billion baht debt collection case: What is the truth? "Big Tao" exposes a 7-member group of amulet experts scamming victims for money, while "Tone Bangkae" admits to gradually repaying the debt and settling payments to conclude the matter.
It became a hot topic among amulet experts after Mr. Tone Thong Sukkaen, or "Tone Bangkae," 43, a well-known amulet collector, filed a complaint last week. He claimed that Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat, deputy commander of the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), also known as "Deputy Tao," called him in to mediate a debt dispute. Tone Bangkae expressed concern that such conduct by a senior police officer might be inappropriate. Later, senior amulet expert Pong Suphan said he had coordinated with the police to act as a mediator, but the facts still require further investigation.
This afternoon (5 May 2026), Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat Pankaew, deputy commander of the CSD or "Deputy Tao," held a press conference regarding the issue after "Tone Bangkae" filed a complaint. "Big Tao" explained that since early 2025, victims have come forward claiming they were defrauded by a group of about seven people, causing losses exceeding one billion baht.
The investigation into the seven suspects began in early 2025, with two individuals charged. The inquiry extended into early 2026, when it was found that Mr. Tone was also involved in the fraud. Further investigation produced credible evidence that all individuals were involved in defrauding victims of over two billion baht. The probe revealed two additional suspects, bringing the total to nine.
When asked about the criminal process, "Big Tao" described a scheme involving selling amulets. For example, amulets were sold to victims for 50 million baht in cash. After the sale, the amulet group would persuade victims that the amulet set could be resold for 60 to 70 million baht. Soon after, another group would buy the amulet set for about 60 million baht, but payment was by check. Some checks would clear, but the amulet dealers claimed they lacked funds to pay because the amulets were pawned.
Victims feared losing the amulets due to pawning and seizure, so they paid to redeem the amulets and kept them. The money paid to redeem increased the original debt. The amulet dealers would then sell two to three more sets in the same fraudulent manner.
When asked about "Tone Bangkae's" claim that "Big Tao" called him for a meeting to negotiate with creditors and concerns that this might not be the proper role of senior police, Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat explained that after victims filed complaints through the Crime Suppression Division, Tone became aware of the troubles and contacted Mr. Pong Suphan. When they met during a merit-making event, he advised Tone to speak directly with the victims due to the large losses. There was no conversation at first, but as charges were filed, Tone met him in his office—not summoned, but arranged by the victims and Tone, who requested his mediation.
He added he preferred not to say much now but will have the victims come forward tomorrow to reveal the facts to reporters.
This morning (5 May 2026), Mr. Tone Thong Sukkaen, or "Tone Bangkae," 43, along with his lawyer and evidence, filed a complaint at Phahonyothin Police Station to press charges against Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat Pankaew, deputy commander of the CSD or "Deputy Tao," accusing him of intimidation, extortion, and hired debt collection.
At 12:50 p.m., after more than three hours of questioning by investigators at Phahonyothin Police Station, "Tone Bangkae" disclosed that on 1 May, he had filed a complaint with Police Chief Kittirat Phanpetch against Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat for threatening and pursuing debt collection at the 27th floor office of the Crime Suppression Division on 17 April.
He reported the charges against Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat for being a government official who demanded or supported debt collection not owed to him, a violation under the Debt Collection Act, B.E. 2558 (2015). He also filed complaints against several individuals suspected of supporting these offenses but withheld their names and numbers as they are part of the case file. He has given full testimony and confirmed there are multiple suspects.
Tone Bangkae said he does not know how Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat became involved in this matter. He decided to come forward and file charges to protect his rights. He admitted being afraid and uncertain whether he might face harassment or other actions since the adversary is powerful. He felt pressured and uneasy but chose to bring the issue into the legal system.
He affirmed the complaint and lawsuit were due to genuine unfair treatment and denied any orders from anyone. He vowed with absolute certainty, saying he would swear at Wat Phra Kaew or any temple if needed.
Tone Bangkae also acknowledged having debts with the creditor under two agreements totaling hundreds of millions of baht. He has been gradually repaying the debt as cash flow from his business allows, including advance payments through 2027, as well as providing collateral such as amulets, shophouses, and monthly post-dated checks to settle the debt.
Regarding bounced checks, Tone Bangkae stated that if there were issues, lawsuits would have been filed by now since it is a criminal matter. Usually, bounced checks are resolved with payment. He has been a victim of fraud numerous times and has been pursuing legal actions and asset recovery accordingly. He emphasized his commitment to relying on the court and legal processes.
