PRIME Minister/Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul today (Nov. 6) ordered a thorough review of foundations nationwide following the arrest of former Miss Thailand and actress Ms. Panadda Wongphudee, aka Boom, and her husband, Mr. Athip Anantawan, aka Got, on charges of misusing donations to Ongkorn Tham Dee (Doing Good) Foundation, Naewna newspaper said.
Any foundation found to be operating as a front—misusing donations or funds solicited from the public for private gain—will face strict legal action, he warned.
Asked about the practice of soliciting donations in the wake of disasters, Anutin noted that such exploitation can occur through various channels. Foundations are intended to serve public interest—that is their very purpose. Much like an association, a foundation must have clearly defined objectives, which should primarily focus on public good.
“If an organisation does not serve public interest, there is no justification for its existence as a foundation. Using a foundation for personal gain is illegal and warrants prosecution,” he said.
He expressed confidence that existing regulations and penalties are in place to address cases where foundations are misused and fail to uphold their stated, intended purpose.
Anutin mentioned that he had asked National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Samran Nuanma this morning why an arrest warrant was issued immediately for Panadda and Athip rather than simply summoning them for questioning, a question he posed as someone unfamiliar with the specific legal procedures. He was informed that the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) had already examined financial trails and behavioural patterns. Once they were confident that the actions were dishonest and serious enough to warrant an arrest, the police followed all legal steps.
Regarding a leaked LINE message from Panadda, in which she apologised and claimed the matter was politically motivated, Anutin said he was unaware of any political involvement. He noted that when someone is accused of breaking the law, there are established processes for offering a defence or providing an explanation; the individual retains the right to address the allegations.
The government guarantees that it will ensure full justice for all parties, both those suspected of wrongdoing and the members of the public who suffered losses after donating money, under the impression that their contributions would be used with benevolent intent to help those in need.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page: Prime Minister/Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul talking to the press today, Nov. 6, 2026.
Inserted: Ms. Panadda Wongphudee, aka Boom, and husband, Mr. Athip Anantawan, aka Got, flanking Ongkorn Tham Dee (Doing Good) Foundation’s logo . Photos – Naewna
Earlier reports:
Ex-Miss Thailand, husband held over charges of misusing donations
Lawyer tells ex-Miss Thailand it’s too late to sell off assets and return funds to foundation
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