On May 19, lawyer Withoon Kengngaan, representing Waratphon Waratworakul (Boss Paul) from The iCon Group, revealed that the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases delivered its verdict in the case where prosecutors sued Ms. Kritsanong Suwanwong for allegedly extorting Boss Paul.
The case involved two charges: acting as an intermediary to solicit benefits, for which the court sentenced her to 3 years imprisonment, reduced to 2 years due to her beneficial testimony, with immediate imprisonment; and extortion, for which the court dismissed the charges.
Lawyer Withoon explained that the court reasoned the extortion elements were not connected, as there was a considerable time gap between the threatening phone calls and the money payment. The court concluded that Boss Paul would not have been afraid anymore, thus giving the defendant the benefit of the doubt and dismissing this charge. The prosecution can appeal the case.
When asked about Ms. Kritsanong's demeanor during the verdict reading, lawyer Withoon said she appeared confident of winning before the court read the judgment, but showed some disappointment after being sentenced to imprisonment.
Regarding notification to Boss Paul, the lawyer confirmed he informed him through his secretary, noting that Boss Paul was neither pleased nor displeased with the outcome, though initially shocked as he didn't expect the court to impose a prison sentence.
Following the prison sentence, Ms. Kritsanong Suwanwong requested bail pending appeal. However, the Appeals Court denied the request, reasoning that given the high value of damages and the prison sentence from the lower court, there was reasonable cause to believe the defendant might flee if released temporarily during the appeal process.