Bangkok: Lawyers for "The Icon Group" have raised apprehensions about the repeated filing of identical charges, while Min Pechaya's legal team has submitted a bail application amounting to 3 million baht in hopes of securing her release.
According to Thai News Agency, recent proceedings at the Criminal Court have highlighted new developments in the Icon Group case. Defense lawyer Mr. Witthoon Kengngan disclosed the legal strategy, pointing out that a review of the case file showed defendants are being charged with the same offenses as others associated with the Icon Group. This has raised fairness concerns, as some facts remain under review and require further investigation. A significant issue discussed was the issuance of the arrest warrant, which, although issued correctly, was questioned due to the short timeframe for evidence collection. Mr. Witthoon argued that the completeness of the information should have been verified before advancing the case.
The charges under the Emergency Decree on Fraudulent Lending to the Public, often referred to as a "pyramid scheme," were also scrutinized. Court testimony revealed discrepancies from the government's understanding, particularly regarding the payment structure. Evidence indicated that the compensation was a one-time commission for referrals rather than a monthly payment. Witnesses consistently testified that compensation recipients were those who referred customers, not direct buyers, and that there were no ongoing monthly payments.
Mr. Witthoon expressed concern that despite new facts emerging in court, the public prosecutor persisted in filing charges based on the original count without conducting additional questioning or summoning witnesses for fresh information, potentially impacting the case's fairness.
Moreover, the defense team urged the court to evaluate the cases against Mr. Yuranan Phamonmontri, known as Sam, and Ms. Peechaya Wattanamontri, known as Min. Both were presenters for the company, with Min starting in March 2023 and Sam in October 2023, well after the business began in 2019. Many customers have already received their products, leading the defense to argue that their involvement does not constitute offenses under the Pyramid Scheme Act.
Mr. Witthoon reiterated that the legal battle remains within the judicial process and emphasized that he cannot interfere with the court's discretion. However, he hopes the court will consider bail for the defendants to allow them to adequately contest the charges. He noted that Mr. Yuranan and Ms. Peechaya are experiencing stress over potential bail denial.
The lawyer for Ms. Pechaya confirmed that 3 million baht in cash has been prepared for each defendant's bail application, which is now pending the court's decision.