Bangkok TV Exposes Missing Emerald, $784,000 Scandal
A multi-million-dollar emerald necklace, embroiled in a celebrity scandal and political intrigue, dramatically reappeared on Thai television, concluding a bizarre chapter in the Thai entertainment industry. The saga, which captivated social media for days, began with actress Arisara “Dew” Thongborisut’s alleged resale of luxury items belonging to businesswoman Wasana “May” Inthasang.
Inthasang, a beauty and supplement entrepreneur, claims Thongborisut misappropriated assets worth 62 million baht (approximately $1.8 million USD), including a Lotus Arts De Vivre Zambian Emerald & Diamond necklace valued at 26,440,000 baht ($784,000 USD). The necklace’s journey took a political turn when rumors suggested it had been acquired by a government minister whose surname begins with “P.”
This accusation sparked intense speculation, prompting four prominent ministers—Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Phirapan Salirathavibhaga, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan, and Labor Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn—to publicly deny any involvement. The ensuing media frenzy fueled intense journalistic investigation into the missing jewel.
However, before these inquiries concluded, the necklace unexpectedly resurfaced, not at a police station or pawn shop, but on the popular talk show Hone Krasae (Riding the Wave). A woman identified only as “Toon” sent the necklace to the program, entrusting host Kanchai Kamnerdploy with its return to Inthasang. Kamnerdploy dramatically displayed the necklace on the March 20th broadcast, abruptly ending the frantic search.
Thongborisut, known for her lavish lifestyle showcased on Instagram, is the latest Thai celebrity to face public scrutiny over financial difficulties. Her story highlights the potential pitfalls of extravagant spending and the pressures of maintaining a curated online persona. She was previously in a relationship with politician Pai Lik, Secretary-General of the Kla Tham Party, who, while denying involvement in the necklace scandal, admitted to warning Thongborisut about her opulent spending. Although the couple has since separated, they reportedly remain close.
Further complicating the matter, Thongborisut appeared on Hone Krasae on March 19th, confessing to business failures and acknowledging her negative example of living beyond her means. Unlike previous celebrity scandals involving pyramid schemes or online gambling, Thongborisut’s downfall appears rooted in unsustainable spending, sparking broader discussions about financial responsibility and the influence of social media.
This highly publicized case even garnered attention from the Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health, which issued guidelines for parents raising children in the digital age. These guidelines emphasize educating children about online realities, mindful content consumption, and cultivating self-worth independent of external validation. The emerald necklace saga, while seemingly focused on a single piece of jewelry, has ignited a national conversation about financial responsibility, online authenticity, and the values instilled in the next generation.
