Bangkok: Min Pechaya and Sam Yuranan have each posted bail of 3 million baht to fight their case regarding "The Icon." They were unaware they were also being sued for a pyramid scheme. Their lawyer insists they were only presenters and reveals both are stressed and fear they won't be released.
According to Thai News Agency, at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road, after Special Prosecutor 1 brought Mr. Yuranan Bhamorntree and Ms. Peechaya Wattanamontri, two famous actors and suspects in the Icon Group case, to be indicted on fraud charges, Mr. Witthoon Kengngan, a lawyer for the Icon Group suspects, revealed that after speaking with both of them, they were shocked to learn that they were being charged with the same offenses as other Icon Group suspects. Their legal team learned this information last Thursday. He personally doesn't understand why they are being charged again, but whether they will be acquitted or not depends on the court's decision, and he will not comment further.
Regarding the legal strategy, it's already under consideration. The legal team has information on all the representatives who filed the complaint and has submitted this information to the court. Previously, during the witness examination on Friday, the Central Investigation Bureau testified that the initial investigation began on October 10, 2024, and the arrest warrant was issued on October 16, 2024, within a span of only 5-6 days. Although the arrest warrant was issued properly, questions remain about the completeness of the evidence for requesting it. Regarding the charge of fraud under the Emergency Decree concerning loans from the public, the legal team is trying to clarify that the Fiscal Policy Office understood the "Dealer Get Dealer" promotion to pay returns regularly every month. However, during the witness examination, it was found that there was only a one-time payment to those who referred people to open accounts to buy products, not to the people who opened accounts. The lawyer handling the case believes it doesn't fall under the category of a pyramid scheme, though further considerations are necessary for any lawsuit.
When asked if Ms. Pechaya had any evidence to argue that she was merely a presenter, Mr. Witthayoon stated that he did not know and could not say whether the case would end in dismissal. However, as a lawyer, he would try his best to present information and cross-examine the defendants to ensure the case receives sufficient justice. He also admitted that both Ms. Pechaya and Mr. Witthayoon were stressed because they feared they would not be granted bail. Ms. Pechaya was also shocked by the additional charge of a pyramid scheme, given that no further investigation had taken place previously.
According to reports, Min Pechaya and Sam Yuranan have each posted bail of 3,000,000 baht to request temporary release. The court is currently considering the request.