Tone Bangkae Challenges Critics: Claims He Would Never Report a Senior Police Officer Without Credible Threats, Denies Wronging Madam Kaeng

Tone Bangkae, the renowned amulet dealer, appeared at Phaholyothin Police Station at 1 PM on May 8 alongside his lawyer to identify individuals involved in his case against Deputy National Police Chief Jaroon Kiattipan (Madam Kaeng) and four associates. He provided photographs and evidence related to the case to investigators. After an hour of questioning, Tone told reporters that his debt repayment arrangements were legitimate with regular interest payments throughout, and that many of his assets came from business operations spanning over 10 years—possessions he owned before ever meeting Madam Kaeng.

Regarding the 152 amulets used to collateralize a 180 million baht loan (assessed at 400-500 million baht), Tone stated that an associate known as "Tao" conducted the valuation. He acknowledged that the amulets exceeded the loan amount, but in a second appraisal, they were valued at only 35-40 million baht—a discrepancy he claimed not to understand. When questioned why he didn't simply sell the amulets to pay his debts, Tone explained that his assets weren't limited to cash, noting he had already paid off numerous installments of his obligations.

Tone also pointed to another amulet dealer named "Un Gokee" as evidence of disparities in lending terms, noting that Un paid 200 million baht in interest to Madam Kaeng while he, having borrowed 800 million baht, questioned what interest rate he was charged. He denied involvement in any organized scheme and emphasized his focus on his relationship with Madam Kaeng alone. Regarding the public stigma of being labeled a debt defaulter, Tone challenged critics by asking whether any amulet dealer would dare report a high-ranking police officer without genuine threats. He concluded by asserting that all his assets have been offset by interest payments and denied wronging Madam Kaeng in any way.