Whatever she does or moves, Boom Panadda is closely watched; even just breathing turns into drama. Boom Panadda Wongpudee. Recently, she opened up on the "Kuy Zab Show" on One 31 channel, saying she sometimes feels "frustrated" by certain dramas, noting that when others say something, it doesn't cause drama, but when she speaks, she is always criticized as an "attention-seeker." She also clarified that she is not a "privileged child" amid rumors about her preparing to receive a military rank from the Ministry of Defense.
Is this Arthur's first TV appearance?
“If you ask who Arthur resembles, he is more like me—an observant person who thinks before speaking. Alex is like his father: very sociable and friendly, able to walk up and hold a girl's hand. Will he be protective when he grows up? Probably not, since he’ll have many girls around. But Alex is very attached to his mother and needs to be carried all the time. He says Arthur's mother is his father, and Alex’s mother is his mother, and Alex is very possessive of me—he won’t let me get close to his father and is protective of everything related to his mother.”
Have you closed the chapter on motherhood now?
“I have, but my husband still wants more (smiles).”
Recently, you met the Prime Minister (Anutin Charnvirakul) and he teased you?
“He praised me (smiles). The event was almost over when he came down to greet everyone and remarked I had lost a lot of weight—he couldn’t remember exactly. The Minister of Justice said they wanted to pull Boom to help at the ministry, and the Prime Minister warned, 'Be careful, this one has a sharp tongue' (smiles). In the clip, he said they are close, just teasing and joking. This relates to when someone brought a gun into a school in Hat Yai and shot the principal dead.”
At that time, I commented that the problem was not being addressed properly. If people legally buy guns but are prohibited from possession, the real issue is drugs, because those people use drugs and bring illegal guns into schools. The focus should be on controlling drugs, not legal guns. When asked what law I want changed, I said drug laws should be fixed, focusing on illegal matters rather than legal registered guns. Addressing the root cause is better than treating symptoms.”
Do you admit to having a sharp tongue as the Prime Minister said?
“Yes, when journalists interview me about policies that can be changed, I speak frankly.”
Recently, you reported on the case of P'Lookmee borrowing money, and the other party lashed out at you?
“I was speaking on a program that brings both sides to talk. I didn’t know which guest the producer would bring that day. As the host, I have to interview whoever comes because it’s my job. That day, it was P'Lookmee and a lawyer. I interviewed normally, and the show aired two years ago. Suddenly, I was attacked recently with people telling me to mind my own business. I had forgotten about it, and now the show has shifted to politics. A clip surfaced where they said harsh words to me.”
I couldn’t argue back because, well, I was indeed meddling. Others might not want to know why the money wasn’t returned. They accused me of misleading the public, but I insisted I wasn’t; I was just talking with the lawyer that since both parties sued each other, it’s a tit-for-tat fight, but one side had civil and criminal charges. They misunderstood me as influencing public opinion. I think if the money had been returned, it would have ended. At least if there was a fight, it would be defamation against defamation and easier to settle in court. But now the matter has escalated, and I don’t understand why I’m singled out.”
Will you sue back?
“Probably not. I feel they already have a complicated life, and my focus is elsewhere—working for society and my children’s future. I’ve spent most of my life here and have legal cases involving children I help, which are more important than personal petty issues. Today, dignity isn’t a big issue for me. Were the words harsh? Yes, but I understand—they might be stressed with many cases. Stress can cause people to explode in various ways. I just let it go.”
People wonder why, with so much work, you seem to seek attention so much?
“I understand and don’t understand that. I host shows like everyone else, but others aren’t targeted. I read news just like others, but people capture what I say and write that Boom Panadda said this or that. People who don’t watch the whole show think I’m always complaining. Some shows have five hosts, but only I get targeted. Do I get frustrated? Sometimes. Why am I singled out? When I asked why they focus on me, they said if it’s the mother’s name, ratings go up. So, I’m the only one targeted.”
Another issue is your upcoming appointment as a female lieutenant colonel in the Ministry of Defense reserves, which sparked drama?
“Many don’t understand what reserve personnel are. Anyone who has done military conscription is reserve personnel. Retirees or those who served in the Territorial Defense Student program are also reserves. Since 2023, outsiders have been recruited as reserves to assist military work more. I’m not the first; this started in 2023 with annual recruitment. I’m not the first but the first to be criticized. I applied because they opened a public relations position, and I have media experience. But not everyone gets in; they check our qualifications.”
So many wonder if you are a privileged child?
“Everyone receives ranks, but it’s not that you get promoted to female lieutenant colonel immediately. You must progress gradually, train, and follow regulations, including field training. It’s an unpaid position with only the title. There are some benefits, but not as full as regular soldiers. It will take a long time to get the rank; it’s not immediate upon application.”
People suspect this is groundwork for running for Governor of Bangkok or MP?
“I don’t see myself in politics. I can’t picture that. I feel I’m a rescuer by blood, wanting to help people regardless of sides. If you fight, fight, but if someone is injured, I will help everyone. Many have contacted me, but I feel that’s not me. I can’t imagine it now, but the future is unknown. Today, I just can’t see it. I’m someone who can’t ignore corruption. I’m here and can do something.”
Recently, you signed over assets worth over 30 million baht to the charitable organization?
“It’s land. We bought vehicles too because the organization has been operating for 12 years. Adding up what we’ve invested in the foundation is about 30 million baht—not in cash but land, buildings, and structures that support the foundation today. I announced earlier this year at age 50 that the land the organization occupies will no longer be under Panadda’s name. Everything will belong to the nation. Some may wonder why not give it to my children. The land belongs to the organization.”
“In my view, my children shouldn’t be involved with the foundation because it belongs to the people. They have a 40-million-baht house already, and I had my own before the foundation. I had money before. Their belongings are separate. We prepared funds for their education until graduation. For adopted children, we have housing arranged. Everything is planned so they won’t struggle if I pass away.”
I heard at age 50, you and your husband aren’t as affectionate?
“At 50, who’s thinking about being affectionate? The kids are young; both of us have to care for them since we’re not always together. I also have to go out on fieldwork, and now I have back pain due to muscle strain (laughs).”
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