Thai actress Nana Rybena arrested in 195 million baht lending fraud investigation

Thai actress Rybena Intachai, known professionally as Nana Rybena, was arrested on 3 December 2025 for alleged involvement in a fraudulent public lending scheme. The investigation, led by the Economic Crime Suppression Division, centres on claims from multiple individuals who say they were misled into investing a total of 195 million baht.

Pol Maj Gen Thatphum Jaruprat, Commander of the Economic Crime Division, confirmed that Nana was taken into custody following an arrest warrant issued based on preliminary evidence. She is being held while investigations continue, and no formal charges have been filed at this stage.

According to authorities, Nana is suspected of forging bank transfer documents to falsely assure investors that their funds were properly handled. Investigators allege she invited friends and associates to invest in ventures promising monthly returns of 4% to 7%, but most of the businesses appear to have been fictitious.

Only one business — a hair salon co-owned with her husband, Thai-American rapper Prinya “Way Thaitanium” Intachai — is believed to be legitimate. Authorities have stated they will summon Prinya for questioning, but he has not been accused of any wrongdoing and remains uncharged.

Among the 17 complainants is actress Janie Tienphosuwan, who reported a loss of 3 million baht after being invited to invest in a US-based restaurant project that did not exist. More alleged victims have come forward since 2 December, but total reported losses remain at around 195 million baht.

As part of the investigation, police seized assets worth over 10 million baht from Nana’s residence in Bangkok’s Watthana district. Items include high-value designer bags, vehicles, art toys, jewellery, and a digital hardware wallet, which Nana claimed belonged to her husband. The wallet is being reviewed as part of the case.

Nana did not speak to the media during her transfer into custody. Her lawyer, Saiyud Pengboonchu, stated that she had previously attempted to voluntarily surrender at the Central Investigation Bureau on 2 December. However, the attempt was declined as she had not yet been formally identified as a suspect.

Police proceeded with the arrest the following day due to the seriousness of the alleged offences, which could carry a sentence of more than three years. The arrest was made at her home on 3 December, and she was subsequently taken for questioning and legal processing.

Saiyud confirmed that bail of 500,000 baht had been prepared to seek her temporary release. He added that Nana is cooperating with authorities and is concerned about the impact on her family. She has not been prosecuted before.

In a video statement released last month, Nana admitted to borrowing money under business arrangements that ultimately failed, but denied that illegal activity such as gambling was involved. She expressed regret and stated: “I take full responsibility and will work to repay my debts as quickly as possible.”

Authorities have indicated that the investigation is ongoing and that further legal action may be taken if more evidence emerges or if additional victims come forward.

If no lawyer or relative posts bail by 16:30 today, the suspect will be transferred to the Central Women’s Correctional Institution.