Bangkok:Donations to a charity foundation have exceeded 800 million baht, with allegations surfacing that some of these funds were misused for personal expenses, including the purchase of a pool villa. "Boom Panadda" has admitted her guilt and expressed willingness to undergo the legal process, apologizing to the public for her actions.
According to Thai News Agency, the police have disclosed that donations to Panadda's charitable foundation totaled over 800 million baht, reportedly misappropriated for personal use and acquiring a pool villa. Panadda has insisted that there is no mastermind behind the scheme. Investigators are preparing to question individuals who received the transferred funds.
Investigators from the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECSD) escorted Got Athip to the Criminal Court for remand. Athip, maintaining a calm demeanor, refrained from responding to media inquiries. Shortly afterward, Boom Panadda was also escorted, appearing more composed than before. She admitted her wrongdoing, reiterated her apology, and expressed her desire for the legal process to proceed, with her lawyer handling further matters.
Attorney Phet, also known as Mr. Adisak Srisang, confirmed that the case will follow due process, declining further media interviews to avoid interfering with the judicial proceedings.
Police Major General Suwat Saengnum and other officers briefed the media on the case progress, including searches at four locations in Bangkok and Pathum Thani province. Panadda faces charges of conspiracy to defraud the public, computer crime, and money laundering. Her husband, Athip Anantawan, was also charged with money laundering.
The Central Investigation Bureau has been investigating the "Doing Good" organization for accepting donations and fund misuse. Evidence indicates embezzlement of donations for personal use, constituting public fraud and computer crime violations. Money laundering charges have been added.
Investigations revealed Boom Panadda opened three bank accounts for donations, being the sole payee. Since 2015, she received over 3 million donations across 1 million accounts, totaling over 815 million baht. Funds were transferred from the foundation's accounts to personal accounts and those of close associates.
The organization's primary account held over 600 million baht, used in 12 activities totaling 527 million baht. Nine additional accounts facilitated receiving funds totaling 243 million baht, which were further transferred to various individuals, including 99 million baht to her husband, 4.6 million to her father, and 18 million to a construction worker in Phuket.
Money was also transferred for life insurance policies and mutual funds, with Panadda as the beneficiary. Purchases included branded jewelry and handbags. Bank withdrawals were made 30 times, totaling 42 million baht, and credit card bills were paid off 251 times, amounting to 19 million baht.
Searches at four locations led to the seizure of a luxury van, jewelry, designer handbags, firearms, vehicles, donation receipts, documents, and land title documents.
During the investigation, Panadda denied the allegations but admitted to misappropriating funds for improper use. Athip denied the charges, claiming to act on Panadda's orders. Investigators plan to summon all individuals involved in receiving money to explain its use, including contractors. Despite Panadda's lawsuit against her husband Got for fraud, they reportedly still reside together.