A former Thai beauty queen and actress who built a reputation for helping disaster victims has been arrested over allegations that she misused millions of dollars in public donations intended for charity.
Panadda Wongphudee, 50, also known as Boom, was arrested at her Bangkok residence on Nov 6, following an investigation into the finances of her Goodness Foundation.
According to reports, investigators suspect that a substantial portion of the donations raised for charitable causes was diverted for personal use.
More Than S$20 Million Allegedly Misused
Thailand’s Criminal Court reportedly issued arrest warrants for Panadda and her husband, Atip Anantawan, on Nov 5 over allegations of public fraud and money laundering.
According to The Bangkok Post, the foundation received approximately 815 million baht (around S$31 million) in donations. However, investigators suspect that 527 million baht (approximately S$20 million) was used for personal benefit.
The alleged spending included luxury purchases and investments in mutual funds.
Reports also indicated that more than 300 million baht (around S$11.47 million) was allegedly transferred into Panadda’s personal accounts, while approximately 200 million baht (around S$7.6 million) went to her husband.
Authorities have reportedly frozen assets worth more than 100 million baht (approximately S$3.82 million) belonging to the family. These include several properties, plots of land and around 22 vehicles.
The foundation has since suspended Panadda from her position as chairperson and stopped accepting donations.
Investigation Started After Donors Filed Complaints
Panadda established the Goodness Foundation and became widely recognised in Thailand for her charitable activities, particularly her involvement in disaster relief operations.
Her social media accounts feature numerous videos and photographs of her assisting flood victims, including footage showing her wading through waist-deep floodwaters.
However, complaints from donors and members of the public eventually prompted authorities to investigate the foundation over suspected fraud, money laundering and computer-related offences.
Interestingly, Panadda had also lodged a complaint with authorities on Nov 3, accusing her husband and a construction contractor of allegedly defrauding the foundation of approximately 50 million baht (around S$1.9 million).
Speaking to reporters, she reportedly said she had made a mistake by trusting someone close to her, without directly naming her husband.
Atip has denied wrongdoing, claiming that he carried out the financial transactions based on his wife’s instructions.
Police have also indicated that investigations have not established direct evidence linking Atip to fraud, although his alleged involvement in transferring assets could potentially constitute money laundering.
Meanwhile, Panadda reportedly acknowledged personally handling financial transactions but admitted that some donations had been used for purposes that were not disclosed in the fundraising campaigns.
Beauty Queen Apologises As She Is Remanded
As she was taken into remand, Panadda apologised to members of the public and said she was prepared to face the judicial process.
She reportedly did not apply for bail, while her husband sought release but had his application rejected.
Panadda faces three charges, including allegedly conspiring to defraud the public and conspiring to commit money laundering.
The allegations have triggered widespread anger among donors, with some questioning how money contributed by ordinary members of the public could allegedly have been diverted away from its intended charitable purposes.
One donor who lodged a complaint reportedly described the situation as a betrayal of public trust, saying that people across Thailand had contributed money believing they were supporting those in need.
The scandal has also attracted attention from Thailand’s political leadership.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has reportedly ordered a nationwide audit of registered foundations following the controversy.
Despite the allegations, Panadda continues to receive support from some social media users, with one supporter reportedly commenting that a diamond remains a diamond.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against Panadda and her husband have yet to be determined by the courts.