Tone Bangkae Opens Up One Last Time, Insists Bounced Check Belongs to Kilo, Not Him; Vows to Repay Every Baht Despite Legal Action

At 10:30 AM on May 7, 2025 at the Central Police Investigation Center, Tonthong Sukkhen (Tone Bangkae) arrived with his lawyer Chalomshai Sriyuphakdi to present documents and evidence of innocence following reports of a fortune-telling scam ring involving fraud victims totaling over 5 billion baht.

After presenting his case, Tone Bangkae emphasized that he came forward proactively rather than evading the law. He stated he was prepared to cooperate with the investigation after learning from statements by Madam Keng and Deputy Police Commissioner Jarunyakiat Pankaew that he was identified as the third defendant. He noted that investigators had not yet confirmed formal charges against him and expressed his willingness to cooperate fully.

Tone Bangkae confirmed that more than nine individuals named in media reports were also prepared to demonstrate their innocence and had no connection to the alleged gang. Regarding Madam Keng's allegations, he acknowledged some points aligned while others did not, particularly concerning the debt figure. He confirmed the debt is genuinely over 800 million baht with properly executed contracts through 2023, and he has made advance payments through 2027.

Tone Bangkae revealed that he met Madam Keng in 2022 through an acquaintance who was a fortune-telling expert. Madam Keng initially approached him to sell a car. He has repaid approximately 500 million baht of the debt, with 300 million remaining, and maintains all contracts are properly documented. While acknowledging that some bounced checks occurred during this period, he stated these were cleared. However, he disputed Madam Keng's claim that a particular bounced check was his, stating this could be verified.

Regarding the claim that collateral property was valued below the loan amount, Tone Bangkae asserted the building used as collateral is worth more than 100 million baht, as he personally purchased and renovated it. He noted that an appraiser undervalued it. He subsequently restructured the debt from 100 million to 120 million baht, converting it from a property mortgage to a lease-purchase agreement with installment payments to Madam Keng. He expressed no concern about this arrangement, stating the borrowed funds were invested in business.

"Madam Keng provided the money because she expected interest, as she's a professional money lender—something people in the business already know," Tone Bangkae stated. He confirmed he personally purchased the Bentley and completed all payments, along with other branded assets.

Regarding the 180 million baht debt secured by sacred amulets valued at 400-500 million baht, Tone Bangkae revealed that a fortune-telling expert was present during the valuation. He viewed this person more as a close friend than a mere acquaintance, noting that this person documented the valuation price, while he only signed the debt acknowledgment.

Tone Bangkae also recounted events from April 17, when he heard that police would arrest fortune-telling experts and a friend informed him he was among those targeted. Rather than wait for police to find him, he decided to approach police directly. He coordinated through Pong Suphan, who is close to Big Tao, to request a face-to-face meeting, but after two coordination attempts without response, the timeline extended until April 10 when Pong Suphan called.