Police are investigating an embezzlement complaint by a health and beauty products billionaire against Thai actress Arisara “Due” Thongborisut.
A lawyer representing entrepreneur Wasana Intasang met with investigators from the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) on Thursday to present additional information to support the complaint.
The case has attracted more than the usual amount of attention because it also involves a 26-million-baht necklace — and a claim by the actress that it ended up in the hands of a cabinet minister.
The resulting media frenzy caused no fewer than four ministers to issue denials on Thursday.
Pol Col Anek Taosuparp, the CSD deputy commander, said investigators needed more time for collection of evidence and questioning of witnesses.
Police have not summoned the accused yet, pending the outcome of their initial investigation, he said.
“The initially acquired information might lead to an embezzlement charge only,” he said.
Embezzlement carries a jail term of up to three years but a settlement is possible if the assets taken are returned and the damaged party withdraws her complaint, Pol Col Anek said.
Ms Wasana, 41, is the chief executive officer of Revomed Co, which produces dietary supplements and beauty creams and provides consulting on health and beauty business.
She reportedly had her lawyer file the embezzlement complaint with the CSD on March 11, accusing the 34-year-old actress of borrowing and pledging her luxury bags and accessories worth 62 million baht in total. (Story continues below)
The emerald and diamond necklace worth 26 million baht by Lotus Arts de Vivre that actress Thai actress Arisara “Due” Thongborisut borrowed from a health and beauty products billionaire. (Photo: @maynie_minimay Instagram)
Who had the necklace?
The accessories reportedly include an emerald and diamond necklace worth 26 million baht by Lotus Arts de Vivre, as well as a 13.8-million-baht Richard Mille watch.
Ms Arisara told Ms Wasana via a phone-in interview on a TV show on Wednesday that the necklace was now in the possession of a cabinet minister with the initial “P” or “Por Pan” in Thai.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira denied any involvement in buying the bauble from the actress. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said it wasn’t him, adding that if he had brought something that expensive, he would have been “whipped” by his wife.
Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan said his name could be crossed off the list. Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob, the education minister, also said he had no idea what the fuss was about.
A further plot twist came on the Hon Krasae talk show on TV Channel 3, when anchor Kanchai Kamnerdploy announced that the necklace had been returned to its owner.
Athachai Jaeng-arun, the lawyer for Ms Wasana, said a person known as “Toon” had contacted his client for the return of the necklace. Toon had reportedly purchased the necklace from Ms Arisara for 8 million baht.
The lawyer insisted there was nothing to do with any phuyai (senior figure).
Pol Col Anek said earlier that if there was a third party involved, that person would have to prove their innocence. If the party was aware of the alleged embezzlement and still refused to return the asset, he could be prosecuted for receiving stolen goods, the deputy commander said.
Mr Athachai said that the case concerned alleged embezzlement only. “If the borrowed items are returned, the case can be concluded,” he said.
Lawyer Nitisak Meekuat, who represents the actress, said she had gone abroad before the legal action and had not returned to Thailand yet. He said his client had no intention to escape.
Ms Arisara made headlines earlier in 2023 when she accused her ex-boyfriend of operating a gambling network and abusing her, causing her to flee to Taiwan.