Art attack, tum's plea for peace, fluke for yingluck

Actor lashes freeloaders

Art

Actor Pasut "Art" Banyam has joined criticism of mourners at Sanam Luang who seem keener on picking up goods for free rather than grieving for the King.

Art, who has joined celebrities giving away goods to the crowds, and also offered rides to mourners on his motorcycle, said people donating goods should watch out for those who claim more than their fair share.

Some mourners turn up with large bags, carting away free boxed food, snacks, and drinking water, he said.

"I saw a small truck turn up full of goods to donate to one of the tents near me," he said. "It was cleaned out in a moment, as these people wander around from tent to tent. They carry bags as large as sacks, and fill them with free goods.

"These people should not be encouraged, as there are still mourners genuinely in need out there."

Earlier, Art demanded an apology from a critic at Sanam Luang who accused him of offering free rides on his motorcycle merely to seek publicity.

Art has joined a group of friends offering mourners free rides to and from the Grand Palace and Sanam Luang, often staying late into the evening.

The actor said one visitor turned up at their motorcycle stand and asked if there were any celebrities among the volunteer drivers.

"I had my helmet on and knew I was the only public figure present at the time. The man had seen me there previously and had helped me flag down vehicles. He declared 'No dara [celebrity] really wants to pick people up; they are just doing it to look good'," Art said.

Art, who lost his cool and abused the man in front of his friends, some of whom tried to restrain him, said he resented the suggestion.

"People would have seen the devil in me come out. But I just wanted an apology, which he gave."

Celebrities are starting to fight back after doing good work in the name of the King, only to run into criticism for their motives or even their appearance.

Last week a net idol came under fire for wearing white training shoes as part of her mourning attire, while an actress was criticised for her bright red nail polish while handing out goods to the crowds.

Munkaw

Net idol Rungtawan "Munkaw" Chaiha posted an image of herself in a white tank top, black miniskirt, and white track shoes with black trim. One netizen said the outfit was insulting to herself and to grieving Thais nationwide.

"Those shoes are not appropriate for mourning. I think you should leave them on the shelf," he wrote. Munkaw's reply was brief: "Settle down, uncle."

Actress Chotika "Noey" Wongwilas also came under scrutiny after a netizen complained about her red nails.

"Sorry, kha ... I didn't mean to say anything, but I couldn't help but notice your nails. They are very red [and not appropriate for mourning]. Change them."

She replied: "I did my nails before learning of the King's passing. I would have to go to a nail clinic to get the polish removed. I thought I would give something back for the King first, as it is more important."

Actor Kawin, or Porama "Panjan" Imanothai has joined calls on mourners to behave better.

Panjan

"Some people are dressed in black but with their faces done up to the nines. They come looking for free food, or give away goods so they can take selfies and pull in a few 'likes' on social media," he said.

"We have more than enough donated stuff now. I understand the desire to give, but if you doing it because you're on a day out, let me say it's not the right occasion.

"If you went to a relative's funeral, would you be taking as many pictures as you are now, grinning away broadly?"

Meanwhile, actresses Pitchanart "May" Sakakorn and Patcharapa "Aum" Chaichuea are warning fans after a bogus Instagram post solicited cash in their name, supposedly to feed the crowds at Sanam Luang.

The pair, who joined mourners at the public ground last week, said they were not behind the cash-raising drive. The post asks their fans to donate cans of food or send cash to a bank account number.

"Watch out. Some people are trying to make money out of others' grief," May said. -

2. Socialite says she 'deserves a break'

Tum

A wealthy socialite who accused a high-profile policewoman of stealing her boyfriend has urged internet critics to give her a break after a court fined her in a third case arising from their dispute.

The Criminal Court in Ratchada last week sentenced socialite Wichuda "Tum" Leenuthapong to six years in jail, suspended for two years, and fined her 100,000 baht after she admitted charges of defamation.

Anchalee "Mor Air" Teerawongpaisal laid police complaints against Tum last year after the socialite accused her of breaking up Tum’s relationship with her policeman lover.

Mor Air laid two complaints against the socialite, and prosecutors filed a third for a breach of the Computer Crimes Act, after Tum attacked Mor Air on social media.

The saga started when Tum declared in February last year she had broken up with her policeman lover, Pol Lt Col Attapol "Aun" Ittayorpasakul, a one-time social media icon, after he asked her for money allegedly to buy a police promotion, and started seeing Mor Air.

Mor Air, who works at Police Hospital in the psychiatry and drug addiction unit, laid a police complaint the same month. She said Tum kept up her attacks on Facebook, so she laid a further complaint in March.

Tum initially denied the charges, but in June decided not to contest the case, and offered 100,000 baht in damages.

Sentencing her, the court said Tum had broken the law on six counts, with a total penalty of 12 years in jail, and accumulated fine of 600,000 baht.

However, it halved the penalty in recognition of Tum's guilty plea and the compensation offer, and also suspended the jail term.

In the two previous cases arising from the dispute, the court imposed a jail term of one year, suspended for two, and fined her 50,000 baht.

Speaking after the ruling, Tum said internet critics should stop hurling abuse.

"There's no need to make fun of me for losing, as the country is in mourning and it looks ugly. I still live my life as normal. I am not going to jail, although the fines are mounting up," she said.

Her lawyer, Praphanpong Thammachat, said her client might appeal against the court's decision to penalise her count-by-count. "We don't agree, as the charges stem from the same offence," he said. -

3. Singer offers to help embattled ex-PM

Fluke

Singer Patchara "Fluke" Thammon has renewed his offer to help former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra pay for losses under the rice scheme, but says her successor should also help pay for the cost of the coup.

Fluke last week renewed his pledge to send Ms Yingluck 100,000 baht to help in her legal battle over the scheme.

The government has told Ms Yingluck to pay 35.7 billion baht for dereliction of duty after the 2012-13 and 2013-14 crops ran up losses.

Writing on social media, Fluke, a red shirt sympathiser who first made the offer a year ago, said he would like Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to open a channel so supporters can send her money.

However, he said Gen Prayut also should consider paying up himself, as his coup which deposed the Yingluck government had cost the state more dearly. Unlike the rice scheme, which had helped farmers, the coup had done nothing for the public.

"We have less than 30 days to help before the payment deadline. We have figure out a way to get the money to her. We might need to forward a letter to the PM," Fluke wrote.

The government has yet to respond to the challenge.

Stars accused of self-promotion, Chompoo wants to paint it black

Entertainers defend deeds for the King

Newclear

Celebrities are entitled to do good deeds for the King just like anyone else and should not let critics put them off, insists actress Hansa "Newclear" Jungviwattanawong.

Newclear was among the many entertainers who joined the crowds at the Grand Palace wanting to pay their respects. As public figures, many also took a prominent role in giving away goods to the public, including drinking water, ribbons, black T-shirts, and even cooked goods from home.

While most Thais at the palace appeared happy to see them, some netizens vented their spleen on social media, accusing the celebrity set of doing it for the publicity.

Newclear said the first day she turned up to offer a wai with friends, she noticed the crowds were short of essential items including drinking water.

"I suggested to my family that we help out by making some food, and have come back for the past three days to offer mum's cooking, tissues and other necessities.

"I haven't yet had a chance to join Thais praying for the King, as the queues are so long, but I hope to do so before much longer," she said.

Newclear said one keyboard warrior opined on her Facebook page that entertainers who turn up to give away goods are simply joining a fashion trend.

"He said we have seen our friends doing it so want to get our pictures taken too," she said, quoting the post.

"People who love the King come from all over the county, not just Bangkok. Some who turn up won't have money to stay in hotels or buy food. If I can help in a small way, it makes me feel good.

"Thais who gather here are exposed to the elements but still show no signs of fatigue. Armchair critics barely stir themselves at home, and don't know what it is like to get out there and help.

"The King encouraged us to perform good deeds such as giving. Even if you are simply following a fashion trend, it is still a good deed."

Celebrities are sensitive to criticism their grieving is not sincere or they are exploiting the occasion for their own benefit. Sorawit "Mor Kong" Suboon, an actor and army doctor who helps staff at a first-aid tent at the Grand Palace, jumped on the internet to clarify an image which appeared of him asleep in daylight, curled up on a cobble-stoned path with only a doctor's bag for head support.

He said the image was taken early this year, not at the palace, and was put up by fans. He said he did not want the picture leading to a "misunderstanding". Reports said he was worried the image risked portraying himself as exhausted in service of the King, when others had made bigger sacrifices. 

Baitoey

Singer and actress Suteewan "Baitoey" Thaveesin, known for her micro-dresses, came under attack after she wore a chest-busting black polo neck and flared dress which stopped just below the knee as she signed a condolence book for the King. Critics said the outfit was too revealing.

On Thursday, she joined the crowds at the palace with her boyfriend, actor and DJ Pattanapol "Man" Kunchorn Na Ayutthaya, to give away orange juice, sweets, and 300 black ribbons she had made. On this occasion, Baitoey deferred to her fashion critics. She wore a sensible, close fitting dress which fell to her mid-ankle.

Meanwhile, Channel 7 actress Tansinee "Som" Promsut denied she was encouraging vigilantes when she praised on social media the actions of a woman who beat a city bus passenger after she criticised the King.

The incident was one of several widely publicised attacks last week in which Thais rounded on supposed slights to the monarchy. They spurred government warnings to Thais not to take the law into their hands.

On social media, Som wrote approvingly of the woman striking the passenger. "It's high time we protected the King," she said, posting an icon of hands clapping. She also shared a clip of the woman being hit as she was escorted off the bus by police.

Later reports said the victim was mentally unhinged. After Thais criticised her comments, an apologetic Som denied she was encouraging crowds to seek reprisals. "Thais should complain to police if they come across such scenes," she said.

In unusual tributes to the late monarch, DJ and actor "Dome" Pakorn Lum cycled from Rama IV to the Grand Palace because he wanted to be with the King. 

Dome

"I am sure all Thais are heading there as they want to be as close to the King as they can," he said.

DJ and actor Paranyu "Tack" Rojanavudtitham, who has a large tattoo dedicated to the King on his back, posted an image of himself in tears. He said he won the lottery on Monday with the last two numbers, nine and eight.

Tack regards the numbers as lucky, as the King was in his 89th year when he died, and the winning numbers are the same, only transposed.

"I won't cash in the ticket but will frame it and keep it forever," he said. -

Tack's tatts

2. Actress not afraid to get hands dirty

One star not afraid to get her hands dirty in the service of the King’s memory was actress "Chompoo" Araya Hargate, who with her friends has been dyeing clothes black for mourners who want to pay their respects.

Chompoo

Chompoo and her actress friends set themselves up at the Krung Thai Tractor factory in the Rama IV area with gas-fired stoves, vats and plastic tubs to dye donated items black. Among the volunteers were actresses Pitchanart "May" Sakakorn and Chermarn "Ploy" Boonyasak.

She said they decided to offer the service after hearing shops were running short of black mourning gear, and some Thais could not afford to buy the items.

Chompoo and her friends made contact with old-time craftsmen, themselves in dwindling supply, who cycle about with a small coal-fired oven mounted on their bikes, offering clothes dyeing services door to door.

Known colloquially as pong paeng, Chompoo said she found three such craftsmen who were willing to lend their expertise.

"I see motorsai guys on Rama IV counting their coins, wanting to wear black and pay their respects. Not everyone is in a position to do so, so we decided to help in a basic, village-style way," Chompoo said.

"I asked a friend to go out in search of a pong paeng. We found one who rides a bicycle on the Ratchaburi-Nakhon Pathom route and sent a little truck to pick him up.

"He told us what we needed. We started with three gas stoves, but it was not enough. In the first two days, Thais brought in 4,000-5,000 items to be dyed for their own use, or which they donated and wanted us to send on.

"We have to expand the production line to keep up with demand. Initially it was just us, joined by workers from the factory, and the three pong paeng. We intend carrying on until Oct 31."

May, who donned gloves and a face mask for protection against the chemical fumes, said it was her first time dyeing clothes.

"I was sitting at home watching TV alone, getting sad by myself. I felt better once I was outside, and even better pitching in with an activity where I can help."

May admitted the work was hard on her hands and the chemicals hard to take. "However, when I saw so many people waiting, I had to keep going," she said.

The group appealed for dyeing chemicals, anti-dye-running agents, plastic bags, and with their own Facebook page, "Clothes Dyeing for Friends", found sponsors including a textile supplier, dye manufacturer, and a company which supplies black colouring.

On Friday, the ranks of those offering to plug the gap in black mourning gear were swelled by actresses Pimchanok "Baifern" Luevisadpaibul and "Mai" Davika Hoorne, who turned up at the Grand Palace with 360 T-shirts and 890 black ribbons to donate.

As some provinces reported black dye was running out, the Finance Ministry stepped in to say state banks would distribute eight million black T-shirts free to people who had registered as low-income earners.

KWAN TO BREAK FREE, BOOM'S DUST FINALLY SETTLES, WOONSEN'S MARRIAGE ON THE ROCKS

Money shatters family ties

Kwan

Actress Usamanee "Kwan" Waitayanon has abruptly cut ties with her mother and elder sister, declaring money has destroyed relations with her family.

News of the family rift came to light last week when Kwan's mother, Pranee, and elder sister Kaew appealed via social media for Kwan to get in touch.

Ms Pranee said Kwan hadn't been home in days, had dumped her as manager, and left her alone to bring up their 10 dogs.

Kwan, who has supported the family since she entered the industry as a child, told the media she wanted the chance to earn some money in her own right.

"I am the main bread winner, and have been head of the household since dad died," she said.

"One day I would like a family, but to this day I still have no assets of my own.

"I am still supporting mum, but at the moment we are having a changing point at home and all I want is some order or a new system."

Kwan confirmed she had started accepting work in her own right.

She declined to respond to her mother's claims she had left home to be with her boyfriend, singer Pichaya "Golf" Nitipaisalkul, with whom the mother and Kaew are at odds.

"I don't want society to judge my mother," she said.

"I have spoken to mum. We send each other messages as we are finding it too hard to talk. I don't want to be hurt again. I can't change my mother; I can but hope to prove myself."

As Kwan was fronting reporters, her sister Kaew went to work on social media, asking on Instagram how Kwan could abandon her mother.

"Kwan ... speak the truth! Why are you criticising mum to make yourself look good? What kind of character are you?"

Kaew insisted their mother can look after herself with money left by their deceased father. As for herself, she is a senior marketing executive with AIS  and married to a foreigner, so does not rely on Kwan's help either.

The Manager/ASTV newspaper dug up a television interview from eight years ago in which their father revealed Kwan paid for Kaew's post-graduate education overseas, as he couldn't afford it.

It also ran pictures from Kwan's university graduation ceremony in which Ms Waitayanon presented her beaming daughter with her first ATM card as a present.

"Kwan is well known for her generosity to her family, and was once spotted sitting on a public bus," it said.

As public opinion moved solidly in Kwan's favour, Ms Pranee was forced to deny she was being greedy.

"Speaking frankly, I admit I want her money, but I want to keep it for who? Even when I spend it on myself, I am frugal, and won't be around for much longer," she said.

"If she is not willing to see me as her mother, can she at least view me as a manager who helped build her into a star."

Kwan, who said she took over running her own affairs at the start of the month, disclosed her mother was paying her an income of just 40,000 a month.

"My relationship with mum is ruined because of money, which has destroyed our family. Before, I gave mum every baht I earned. I have given my food supplements business to my sister. 

She says a lipstick venture I have entered needs one million baht in capital, up from the 400,000 baht we have put in so far. It's my money, but if she doesn't want to give it, never mind. I will start again from scratch," she said in tears.

Golf denied her mother's suggestions he had "brainwashed" the actress but declined to say whether they were now living together. He also denied reports he had made Kwan pregnant.
"I am here to give her encouragement. I would like to clear things up with her family, but I want her to know I am always here by her side," he said. "I have tried to talk to her mother many times, without success."

Golf almost had a run-in with Kwan’s feisty sister Kaew in June when he turned up to the launch of Kwan's high-end food supplements venture, La Uzi. Anxious that Golf not try to claim publicity for himself, Kaew lunged at event manager Sombatsara "Teu" Tirasaroch  as he escorted Golf in to talk to reporters.

At press time, Kwan and her family had yet to reconcile. -

2. Gym dispute comes to amicable end

Janie

Boom

Actress Janie Tienphosuwan has settled her business dispute with actress Panadda “Boom” Wongphudee, her estranged tenant in a shared city fitness complex.

Boom declared last week she had agreed to move out of the complex at the end of the year to set up another gym nearby after the two sides settled a rift stemming from parking hassles and unpaid rent.

Welcoming the outcome, Janie said she had no fears that Boom would end up as her competitor. Boom's new gym, in which she is sinking 30 million baht, will be just 1km away.

"No matter where she sets up, people will regard us as competitors. It's all good if it encourages more people to get out and exercise," she said.

Boom said she wanted to set up nearby in deference to the customers who had supported her at Smash gym.

Earlier, Boom said she would rather tear down the 10 million baht complex she shares with Janie, she was so sick of their dispute.

The row started after Boom complained on social media about parking at the site in the Kaset Nawamin Rd area, Lat Phrao district. Boom's husband runs Smash gym, while Janie's side runs 911 by JT.

The row escalated in the weeks following, with Janie complaining Boom refused to pay the rent. While Boom put up the investment capital in what was initially a three-way venture, Janie effectively took over as landlord when she bought the shares of their third
partner.

Boom said she would run the new gym without outside partners.

"I do not want shareholders, as I have learned from experience. I am also making sure the paperwork is tight, down to the last detail," she said.

"At first they wanted me to come up with receipts for when we were first building the place; I can't find them now. In the end I decided I would remove everything, though the other side has since come back asking for some items, such as the air con," she said.

"I am tired of negotiating, and want to move forward. So if you want it, just come and get it," she said. Their shared complex was open just three months before the pair fell out.  -

3. Both sides stay mum on marital woes

Chakrit, Woonsen

Actress Wirithipa "Woonsen" Pakdeeprasong and actor Chakrit Yamnarm are having marital problems, a long-term friend has admitted.

Actress Pitchanart "May" Sakakorn, a friend of Woonsen's for more than 10 years, spoke up last week after reports emerged the couple were planning to seek a divorce after two years of marriage.

Neither side has commented on the reports, with Chakrit busy working on a soap opera, and Woonsen visiting Hong Kong with friends for a merit-making trip and holiday. News reports said the pair had agreed to sign divorce papers, but put off the meeting when news of their problems broke.

Chakrit’s manager said the actor didn’t want to discuss the matter for fear it would add to his ailing mother’s health woes, while Woonsen is said to be too sad to deal with it.

May said she was aware of the couple's problems but could do little but offer a listening ear. "Don't go speculating about a third hand breaking up their relationship, or who is seeing whom," she told reporters.

"If the day comes when the love is no longer there any more, no one can blame Chakrit. I can see how much he loves her, and as Woonsen's friend, how much she loves him.

"I would like to give them both my support. We’ll have to wait until they are ready to talk about it.''

Look — don't touch, god's gift, mario's funereal day

Storm rages over daughter embrace

Koop Kip, Phra Bie and Pao Pao

Actress Sumontip "Koop Kip" Leuangthai has been thrust into another drama over her lack of respect for Thai traditions after her boyfriend, who has entered the monkhood, was pictured holding their young daughter.

Koop Kip came under attack on social media after she posted an image of her singer boyfriend, Pra Thassapak "Bie" Hsu holding their infant daughter, Pao Pao. Thais said it flouted the Buddhist doctrine that monks should avoid touching females.

Among her critics was entertainer Ornapa "Ma" Krisdee, who has criticised the couple previously for having a child outside wedlock.

The couple went before the media last September to apologise, after Bie revealed the same month he had made Koop Kip pregnant.

Koop Kip announced she was seeing Bie on her birthday in July, when the couple took a romantic trip to Korea. When the couple went before the media two months later to apologise, she was 11 weeks pregnant.

After Koop Kip gave birth to their child, Bie entered the monkhood at Ta Mai temple in Samut Sakhon. He was pictured holding the little girl at a recent function at the temple. Koop Kip said they knew it was against Buddhist rules for a monk to touch a female, so asked the abbot.

"He said while technically it is incorrect, a child is innocent of carnal knowledge, so it's something for which you can seek penance," she said.

Earlier, entertainer Ma asked if Thais would have to accept breaches in Thai custom simply because others were committing them.

"They knew it was wrong but still did it," she said, referring to the image of Pra Bie holding the child.

Ma's comments echo those she made at the time Bie revealed Koop Kip was pregnant.

She said in today’s day and age, couples rush into sex, and their parents have to deal with the outcome.

"Don’t tell me parents have no choice but to resign themselves to pregnancy outside marriage. There’s nothing wrong with urging caution, but in today’s fast-paced society, people seldom listen," she said.

In response, a teary Bie and Koop Kip said they were aware they breached Thai traditions, and offered a wai of apology. However, they insisted most reaction had been positive.

Commenting on the latest fuss, Koop Kip said some Thais had sworn at the couple on social media, which as a mother to a young child she could not accept.

"Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but I can't ignore the swearing, as it's a sin. As far as P' Ma is concerned, she's giving her point of view as a senior. All I can say is the judgement you express will usually influence the type of society you end up in," she said. -

2. Tangmo fosters good relations

Tangmo

Actress Pattaratida "Tangmo" Patcharaveerapong is preparing for life as a foster mother, after agreeing to raise a child jointly with a friend who is expecting.

Declaring last week she was about to abandon her sideline of posing for racy spreads in men's magazines, Tangmo said she had to set a good example for their unborn daughter, who is expected to enter the world late next month.

"We have called her Easter, as my friend, with whom I will raise the child, discovered she was pregnant on Easter Day. As a Christian, I believe God sent her to us," she said.

Tangmo said she had taken a refresher on first aid, and was preparing to enter a course on young parenthood later this month to prepare her for life as a young mother.

"Our daughter will have two mums. I am not sure which surname she will adopt, but I am determined not to bring her up as a pampered princess. She should have an ordinary upbringing just like anyone else," she said.

Tangmo has found little success with love since breaking up last year with singer and actor Pakin "Tono" Kumvilaisak.

Tangmo took an overdose of sleeping pills in July last year after Tono, who had converted to Christianity to be with Tangmo, and undergone a mock church wedding, declared their relationship had failed.

"My love has to find an outlet somewhere," she said, referring to her desire to raise Easter. -

3. Superstar sorry for his absence

Mario Maurer, second from left

Superstar Mario Maurer insists he was sad to miss the funeral of his estranged former manager and talent promoter, Nirun "Coco" Limsomwong, who died last month from a suspected heart attack.

Speaking to reporters last week, Mario admitted he failed to make Coco's funeral despite telling the media he would try to clear his work commitments.

Coco, 42, was best known for helping mould Mario and actress Apinya "Saipan" Sakuljaroensuk during their early career years. He collapsed on Sept 21 after complaining of shortness of breath and died soon after.

"I was busy on a special project in the provinces. Coco died suddenly and I was unable to get out of it," he said.

Coco managed to send a wreath as mourners attended Coco’s funeral rites at Thonburi Gospel Church.

However, media reports noted he failed to show there personally, or join mourners for Coco's burial in his hometown province of Nakhon Pathom on Sept 26.

Two days later, to the dismay of Coco's admirers, Mario was pictured with a group of his young celebrity friends enjoying a boat trip at Ratchaprapa dam in Surat Thani.

On social media, critics hammered Mario for failing to show respect. "Our seniors only die once, but you can go travelling whenever you like," they said.

Coco took both Mario and Saipan to court over contract disputes, though they settled in the end and Mario insisted they had put the past behind them.

Mario said he went on the boat trip as part of a work project, and regretted he could not make the funeral.

"The project is a big venture, and also involves us making merit," he said. "We had planned the project for a long time and I couldn't get out of it," adding he was trying to ignore the jibes on social media.

Tangmo and cash, born to be wild, sek backs down

Actress speaks out for fraud victims

Tangmo

Actress Nida “Tangmo” Patcharaveerapong is acting as a mouthpiece for victims of a serial fraudster who impersonated celebrities online to dupe fans into parting with their money.

Tangmo went before the media with Patrol and Special Operations Division police in Bangkok last week as they announced the arrest of Pongsakorn “Neng” Kruepimai, 19, for swindling her fans out of deposits for online merchandise.

Police say they have charged Neng with fraud on seven previous occasions. He has at least 50 known victims in Bangkok and the provinces stemming from 30 fraud cases, but each time escapes the courts as his victims are willing to settle for partial refunds or because they think pursuing him through the courts is not worth the effort, they say.

Tangmo says her case is different as it involves a Computer Crimes Act offence. Police have charged him with lying to authorities, fraud, and perpetrating fraud online, carrying a fine of up to 100,000 baht and jail time of up to five years. They say he has admitted the offence.

Described as a “kathoey troublemaker” in media reports, Neng, who was caught in Buri Ram, has outstanding warrants against him including one in Pattani.

He offered merchandise including brand-name bags, smartphones and cosmetics.

The suspect revived an Instagram account Tangmo had once opened but later cancelled. 

Claiming to be Tangmo’s manager, he posted pictures of the goods for sale, and asked fans to transfer deposits to a store. After his victims parted with their money he would call the shop, cancel the order and ask for a refund.

Tangmo said she has known about the impersonator’s activities for the past six months, though she believes he first tried to defraud her fans online last year. She said the fraud had cost her work opportunities, and made life difficult for her manager.

“No victims came forward the first time,” she said.

“He disappeared for a while and started impersonating other celebrities. Finally he came back to set up a social media account in my name.”

She had been contacted personally by about 10 victims, some of whom were students with little money.

“Some of his victims saved for weeks only to lose their deposit when he failed to deliver the goods.”

Tangmo warned the suspect against embarking on a career which would only lead him to ruin.

“Unlike previous victims, I am not willing to settle the matter with mediation or a refund, as his offending has gone on long enough,” she said.

“I will act as a mouthpiece for his victims, and hope they come forward to lay more complaints. “He might have some technique to make victims feel sorry for him, such as crying, to get him out of a scrape.” The Technology Crime Suppression Division is handling the case, which has yet to go to court. -

2. Pat pregnant to motorcycle racer

Benz, Pat

Actress Napapa “Pat” Thantrakul is four months’ pregnant to a motorcycle racer she agreed to marry after he proposed to her on national television at a racing circuit in Buri Ram.

Pat took her lover, Akkarakit “Benz” Worarortcharoendech, before the media recently to announce they plan to start a family after he proposed to her at the Chang International Circuit in Buri Ram on Sept 11.

Benz mounted the podium for photographs, despite having failed to win a racing prize that day, and presented a beaming Pat with a bunch of violets and a ring. He says he hatched the plan only the night before, and asked Pat to catch a flight to the northeastern province to watch him race.

Pat denies they staged the event for the media, insisting it was a genuine surprise.
“It was a special moment in one woman’s life. I didn’t ask him to do it; if it was set up, we would have done a better job,” she said.

“I turned him down the first time he asked to marry me. I had told Benz previously I would only get married if I was pregnant.

“Two months ago when he proposed the first time I told him to wait, as the baby hadn’t shown up on ultrasound and I didn’t know if I was pregnant.”

A doctor confirmed Pat, 31, was pregnant with a baby boy several weeks ago.

Benz, who has known Pat for seven years, said his plan to get down on bended knee almost fell apart when he failed to win a prize, but with the track manager’s connivance he mounted the podium anyway.

The two can’t say when they will marry, but admit it is not a priority, as they are saving money to start their family.  -

3. Rocker settles with Bee

Sek

Rocker Sek Loso has settled a damages claim with an assault victim as he hopes to avoid a possible jail term when the case goes before judges next month.

Sek, accompanied by his former wife Wiphakorn “Kan” Sukpimai, entered talks at the Criminal Court in Ratchada recently with Kan’s former aide, Chanokporn “Bee” Boonpeng, whom Sek attacked in April.

Bee had earlier demanded damages of 1.7 million baht to end the dispute, but in the end settled for 500,000 baht.

In August prosecutors took Sek before the Criminal Court to hear charges of assault causing serious injury after he admitted beating Bee in the Ram Intra area in April.

He and his co-defendant, Somchart “Chart” Poonsri, who allegedly helped in the attack, initially denied the charges, with Sek saying he would rather have his day in court than pay up.

Accepting the case, the court sent the matter to its conciliation division, where Sek changed his mind and the two sides were ultimately able to reach a deal.

At the time of the attack, Kan criticised Sek for assaulting her former aide. She posted an image of him kicking Bee, who was admitted to hospital.

Sek and his former wife have since made up, with Kan now blaming Bee, a persistent critic of Sek’s on social media, for helping drive them apart.

Speaking outside the court, Sek said he had learned his lesson. “I am not a hot-head any more, as I want to avoid further trouble with the law,” he said.

Kan said he acted as a neutral party in four-hour talks. “The other side wanted someone to help. The problems of the past have many causes, but our lives are much smoother and happier now,” she said, referring to Sek. The pair live apart but help raise their three children.

The court will hear Sek’s case on Nov 17. He hopes news of the settlement will persuade judges not to jail him, which police say otherwise seems a certainty, given the severity of the charge.