Dismissal Reversed: Court of Appeals Acquits “ Kris Narongdej ” in Embezzlement Case, Ruling No Fraudulent Intent 

The Court of Appeals reversed the Lower Court’s judgment and acquitted Mr. Kris, ruling that the management of the assets in question did not constitute unlawful self-enrichment or fraudulent intent. The Court found that his actions were carried out in accordance with the final wishes of his late mother, Khunying Porntip Narongdej, prior to her passing. As the acts were not committed for personal gain, the appellate court set aside the primary ruling and dismissed all charges against Mr. Kris.

Expressing his deep respect for the court’s decision, Mr. Kris welcomed the comprehensive review of the facts, stating: “Throughout this process, I have firmly anchored myself in the truth and placed my unwavering faith in the judicial system. The Court of Appeals’ judgment in the Toll 1 case—reversing the previous ruling and dismissing the embezzlement charges—is a crucial outcome that reflects the reality of the facts accepted by the court.”

To provide the public with a clearer understanding of the background to the family disputes and the outcomes of other significant legal proceedings, the following is a summary of the relevant cases. 

From the very beginning 1. Wind Energy Holding (WEH) Share Dispute: Shares Valued at Approximately THB 20 Billion (USD 592 million) which has garnered significant public interest.

In Case No. A.2497/2561, Mr. Kasem Narongdej, father of Mr. Nop Narongdej, filed a lawsuit against Mr. Nop and Khunying Korkaew Boonyachinda a mother in law of Mr. Nop, concerning disputed documents and the transfer of shares in Wind Energy Holoding, valued at approximately THB 20 billion.

On 15 July 2025, the Court of Appeal found Mr. Nop and Khunying Korkaew BOTH guilty of jointly using forged rights documents, under Sections 265 and 83 of the Thai Criminal Code. Both were sentenced to two years’ imprisonment without suspension of the sentences. They were subsequently granted bail and are pursuing their rights of appeal to the Supreme Court in accordance with the law.

Followed by 2. Estate Administration Dispute, Final judgment by by the Supreme Court

In Case No. P.2605/2556, Mr. Nop Narongdej filed a petition seeking to remove Mr. Kris Narongdej his elder brother as the estate administrator of the late Khunying Porntip Narongdej, their mother, who had clearly appointed Mr. Kris as the sole estate administrator in her will.

On 8 December 2025, the case proceeded to the Supreme Court. The outcome allowed Mr. Kris to remain the SOLE estate administrator, in accordance with the wishes expressed by his late mother in her written will.

Then 3. Asset Recovery Case Between Father Mr. Kasem Narongdej and Son Mr. Nop Narongdej 

In Case No. YCP.549/2567, Mr. Kasem Narongdej initiated legal proceedings to recover substantial assets from Mr. Nop.  In recent times, The Court of Appeal ruled that Mr. Nop must return the assets to Mr. Kasem within the scope specified by the Court.

Followed by 4. Petition for the Appointment of a Guardian for Mr. Kasem Narongdej

In Case No. YCP.2499/2568, Mr. Nop Narongdej petitioned the Central Juvenile and Family Court to appoint himself as guardian of his father, Mr. Kasem Narongdej.  After considering the evidence carefully, the Court ordered the appointment of Mr. Korn Narongdej the youngest son as Mr. Kasem’s guardian, finding him fully qualified and more suitable for the role.

And the most recent 5. Toll 1 Case: Appeal Court Overturns Embezzlement Conviction

In Case No. A.2886/2563, Mr. Nop Narongdej filed a lawsuit against Mr. Kris Narongdej once again, accusing him of embezzlement over 35 million baht in rental income from inherited land in Samut Prakan Province.

On 10 November 2026, After reviewing the evidence and facts concerning the management of the assets, the Court of Appeal found that the actions in question did not constitute an attempt to obtain benefits dishonestly. It therefore overturned the lower court’s ruling and acquitted Mr. Kris. As the acts were not committed for personal gain, the appellate court set aside the primary ruling and dismissed all charges against Mr. Kris.

Over the years, the family has stood shoulder-to-shoulder through numerous trials, offering each other unwavering support in times of both hardship and joy, bound by their collective love for their father, Mr. Kasem.  The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for all the encouragement and goodwill received. They reaffirm their dedication to respecting court judgments, exercising their legal rights appropriately, and moving forward with a commitment to caring for their father and family while remaining upright members of society, true to the legacy of their parents and wish for a happy ending.