Actor Rattapoom “Film” Tokongsup Denies Extortion Charges in The iCon Group Case
Actor cum-singer Rattapoom “Film” Tokongsup surrendered to the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) on Friday to face charges of alleged extortion and defamation related to The iCon Group fraud case. Accompanied by his lawyer, Praman Luengwattanawan, Rattapoom arrived at the CSD headquarters around 11 am to answer questions posed by Pol Col Anek Taosupap, Deputy CSD Commander, and Pol Lt Col Sathap Panyawayak, Deputy Superintendent of the CSD Subdivision 2.
Caught in a Viral Audio Clip
The charges stem from a viral audio recording featuring Rattapoom and Kritanong Suwannawong allegedly demanding 20 million baht from potential clients of The iCon Group, a direct sales company. Rattapoom was also accused of defaming well-known television host Phudit Kamnerdploy, also known as Kanchai “Num” Kamnerdploy, by allegedly suggesting potential clients pay the money to appear on Kamnerdploy’s popular show, Hon Krasae.
Actor-cum-singer Rattapoom “Film” Tokongsup arrives at the Crime Suppression Division headquarters in Bangkok on Friday to answer charges of alleged extortion and defamation. (Photo supplied/Wassayos Ngamkham)
Denial and Counter-Allegations
Following a four-hour interrogation, Rattapoom vehemently denied both the extortion and defamation charges. He expressed unwavering confidence in his ability to address the allegations, asserting that he had done nothing wrong and possessed sufficient evidence to support his position.
Rattapoom claimed that Kamnerdploy had contacted him multiple times, urging him to plead guilty. He resolutely refused, stating that he could not admit to something he had not done. When asked if he planned to file a countersuit against The iCon Group or Kamnerdploy, Rattapoom indicated that he likely would not and preferred to let the truth emerge naturally.
His lawyer, Pra
Given Mr. Tokongsup’s claim that the audio recording was taken out of context, what specific legal strategies might his defense team employ to challenge its admissibility as evidence?
## Interview: Actor Rattapoom “Film” Tokongsup Denies Extortion Charges
**Host:** Today we’re joined by Alex Reed, a legal expert, to discuss the recent surrender of actor and singer Rattapoom “Film” Tokongsup to police regarding alleged extortion charges connected to the iCon Group scam. Alex Reed, can you shed some light on the situation?
**Alex Reed:** Certainly.
Mr. Tokongsup turned himself in to the Crime Suppression Division on Friday, accompanied by his lawyer. This follows the emergence of a viral audio recording, which allegedly features him and Kritanong Suwannawong demanding 20 million baht from potential iCon Group clientele. [1]
The accusations don’t stop there. Mr. Tokongsup is also accused of defaming popular TV host Phudit Kamnerdploy, suggesting in the recording that clients pay money to appear on his show, *Hon Krasae*.
**Host:** These are serious accusations. What does Mr. Tokongsup say in response to them?
**Alex Reed:** Mr. Tokongsup maintains his innocence.
He asserts that the audio recording has been taken out of context and that he will cooperate fully with the police investigation. His lawyer, Praman Luengwattanawan, has stated they aim to present evidence to clear Mr. Tokongsup’s name.
**Host:** What are the potential legal ramifications for Mr. Tokongsup if found guilty of these charges?
**Alex Reed:** Extortion is a serious crime in Thailand which carries severe penalties.
Defamation charges also carry significant legal consequences. The outcome of this case will depend heavily on the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense.
**Host:** This case has garnered lots of public attention, especially given Mr. Tokongsup’s celebrity status. How do you think social media and public opinion will impact the proceedings?
**Alex Reed:**
The viral nature of the audio recording undoubtedly influences public perception. It’s crucial that the justice system remains objective and focuses on the facts of the case, rather than being swayed by public opinion.
The upcoming investigation will hopefully shed more light on the truth behind these accusations.
**Host:** Thank you for sharing your insights with us today.
Alex Reed
