"Keng is not a socialite; I am a child of Luang Pho Sothon, nicknamed Mana, born in Bang Pakong," Madam Keng introduced herself tearfully before apologizing to 'Big Tao.' She revealed she has been trying to mediate among amulet experts and shared a profile of her steel export business empire.
"Dr. Don Tiantaworawong, known as Keng, is not a socialite; I am a child of Luang Pho Sothon, nicknamed Mana, born in Bang Pakong," she said at a press conference at the Crime Suppression Division today (6 May 2026), following accounts from those close to her describing events involving amulet experts that led to her needing medication for depression.
Madam Keng opened up about the incident on the 17th involving Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat Pankaew, herself, her sister, and their lawyer, who were accused by Mr. Tone. She said if harassment had occurred as alleged, they would not have arranged to meet at Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat's office in Pitaksanti Building. She also said she did not personally know him but had lodged a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division since 2025 due to lack of progress in the case.
She explained that Mr. Tone wanted to negotiate, so several meetings were arranged with Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat as mediator. Mr. Tone had repeatedly stated this. Madam Keng firmly denied that 'Big Tao' ever accepted any money, stressing there was no financial wrongdoing as alleged.
The reason they did not report Mr. Tone earlier was because they believed he would negotiate. Mr. Tone often told Keng he was like a younger brother and asked her to inform him first if there were issues. Keng thought they could talk it out. The meetings with 'Big Tao' as mediator were actually arranged by senior figures on Mr. Tone’s side.
There had been ongoing negotiations and mediation leading to a new contract, but after one or two payments, the checks bounced again.
She first met Mr. Tone after selling a car to a younger sibling. He then said he needed capital to work on cameras, specifically Zeiss Blue Marine lenses from Germany. He had contacted a senior figure about mortgaging a building for 100 million baht but could not delay dealings with the German side, who were pressing him. Mr. Tone asked for help, promising it would allow him to expand.
She said she never gave money out of affection, but the checks kept bouncing. When the debts were combined, they totaled two sums: 120 million baht and 180 million baht. Mr. Tone offered 152 Buddhist amulets as collateral, claiming their value would rise to 400–500 million baht, which convinced her since she was not an amulet expert. Later, facing cash flow problems, she had the amulets appraised and found their value only about 35–40 million baht, leading to further disappointment. Although the 180 million baht debt was contracted until 2030 with installments of 5.5 million baht each, attempts to cash the checks failed.
"Keng wants to sincerely apologize to Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat Pankaew," she concluded tearfully.
Regarding the case's progress, the news team will continue to report updates, including any clarifications from the accused parties.
Madam Keng Don Tiantaworawong is a prominent figure in the global steel industry. In the heavy industry sector, M.C.S. Steel Public Company Limited is a major producer of structural steel exported for skyscraper construction in Japan, especially earthquake-resistant steel. Behind this strong success is a leader with a kind heart and inspiring vision for employees: Madam Keng Don Tiantaworawong.
Madam Keng has said she does not view employees merely as cogs in a machine but believes that "the happiness of workers is the starting point of success" under her leadership.
