The Criminal Court sentenced three men, who were involved in the Forex-3D investment scheme, to 49,125 years in prison each today, after finding them guilty of defrauding the public, causing financial damage estimated at 2.5 billion baht to 9,824 investors.
The three defendants, namely Teepatsakorn Kimwangtako, Suranat Narkmusik and Ayuwat Chaimethanarakul, were each given five years on each of the 9,824 counts on the indictment, totalling 49,125 years in prison. The prison term was, however, reduced to 20 years each, because it is the maximum servable prison term permissible by the Criminal Court.
They were also ordered to pay compensation to the investors to the tune of about 2.5 billion baht plus interest thereon, dating back to April 10th, 2021.
Four other defendants were acquitted due to insufficient evidence. They include Daryl Cai Yonghui, a Singaporean, Pattanapon Kunjara Na Ayudhaya, who is better known as “DJ Man”, Chatchai Kochahin and Suteewan Taweesin, aka “Bai Toei”.
Pol Maj Woranan Srilum, spokesman for the Department of Special Division, told the media today that it will depend on the public prosecutors whether the acquittals are appealed.
Reacting to her own acquittal and that of her husband, Suteewan told the media that she is very happy, adding that she will travel to Bangkok Remand Prison to take “DJ Man” back home.
She also said that the electronic monitoring bracelet, which she had to wear after she was granted bail, will be removed this evening.
The Forex 3-D investment scheme was a foreign exchange trading operation created by Apiruk Pothi, founder of RMS Familia Company, offering high returns to investors, ranging from 60-80% of the profits earned by the company. The investment offer was, in fact, a Ponzi scheme. Several entertainment celebrities were recruited to be presenters for the company, to enhance its profile and to attract investors.
Apiruk and others are being tried separately.
