BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thai actress Rybena “Nana” Intachai was at the center of a high-profile fraud investigation after police raided her Bangkok home and alleged multimillion-baht damages.
TV star investigated over alleged large-scale fraud
The career of Rybena “Nana” Intachai, 44, appeared to be in free fall as investigators placed her in one of Thailand’s biggest celebrity fraud scandals. On 3 December, officers stormed her house in Bangkok’s Phra Khanong district, seizing assets worth around 10 million baht and taking her into custody. Police referred to what they called “overwhelming evidence”, while she insisted it was a major misunderstanding.
Fans and colleagues watched closely as the raid was presented as a breakthrough by investigators. A woman long seen as flawless in the spotlight was now accused of building an elaborate web of lies. Police sources were quoted as saying that “damages stand at 195 million baht”, fueling further public scrutiny.
Luxury assets seized and focus on crypto wallet
Items seized in the raid reportedly included a white Mini Cooper Aceman, seven smartphones, Hermès and Louis Vuitton designer bags, 50 pieces of jewelry and eleven art-toy collectibles. Particularly sensitive for investigators was a Ledger crypto wallet, whose contents had not yet been disclosed by police.
Her husband, rap star Prinya “Way” Intachai of Thaitanium, was not present during the operation. Officers stressed he was “not a suspect”, but made clear he would face further questioning, as his name increasingly surfaced in connection with the crypto device. In response to criticism from Nana’s lawyer, who had described the raid as “pure staging”, a police spokesman said:
“We are not putting on a show here.”
said a police spokesman.
Alleged victims from the entertainment scene
Since mid-November, 17 alleged victims had contacted authorities, many of them close friends or colleagues from the entertainment industry. Confirmed losses were put at 195 million baht, below the 400 million baht figure circulating on social media but still considered substantial. The accusations included investment offers with unrealistic returns of 4 to 7 percent, supposed restaurant ventures, fake shares and even a basketball court project, all of which reportedly existed only on paper.
One particularly noted case involved superstar Janie Tienphosuwan, who was said to have lost 3 million baht in a restaurant project in the United States that never existed. An insider described the atmosphere among those affected:
“Many thought they were helping a friend. Now they feel betrayed.”
said an unnamed insider.
Actress denies wrongdoing behind closed doors
In public, Nana hid her face under a cap, mask and scarf, refusing to comment or look at reporters. Behind closed doors, however, she spoke to investigators for hours. According to police, her core statement was:
“I didn’t know this was illegal.”
said Rybena “Nana” Intachai, actress.
She reportedly claimed she had only borrowed money to save her projects.
Investigators countered that documents appeared to have been forged and alleged transfers simulated. Only a single business, a hair salon, was said to be real, with the rest described as pure fiction. Despite this, the celebrity reportedly remained defiant, telling officers:
“I wanted to pay everything back.”
said Rybena “Nana” Intachai, actress.
Many of the alleged victims were no longer convinced by her explanation.
Release on bail and search for possible accomplice
On 4 December, a court released Nana on 1 million baht bail, imposing a travel ban. At the same time, she was assigned a psychologist, a step a court spokesman said was intended to help
“reduce pressure, show remorse and prevent further mistakes.”
said a court spokesman.
The decision appeared to trigger fresh speculation rather than calm. Police were already searching for a suspected accomplice described as someone “very close to Nana”, without officially naming the person. Investigators also planned to question Way Intachai again in the following week and seek access to the seized crypto wallet.
High-profile case tests confidence in justice system
The affair evolved from a celebrity drama into what observers saw as a test for Thailand’s justice system, where emotions, large sums of money and famous faces collided. Friends, fans and business partners who once trusted Nana were confronted with serious allegations, financial losses and damaged relationships. The case remained open as authorities continued to piece together the money trail and determine who, beyond the actress herself, might ultimately be held responsible.