Bum Panadda Wongpudi, chairperson of the Make Good Foundation, has been continuously assisting flood victims but faces numerous challenges including difficulties reaching those in need, food shortages, and slow bureaucracy delaying aid. Recently, she shared her thoughts with Thairath Entertainment on these issues.
Last night I saw the clips you sent from Chachoengsao — is it really that bad, with people floating in the water?
Bum Panadda: Yes, the water is that high. Floating means feet aren’t touching the ground anymore. At that spot, even young men who are 180 cm tall can’t stand.
Is the rain still not stopping? Or is the water flowing from the dam?
Bum Panadda: The water is coming from the Bang Pakong River, and continuous rain has increased the volume, making the flooding at Bang Khla quite severe. Water levels are high, and residents haven’t received help for several days — it’s been the 5th, 6th, or 7th day. Some areas are flooded above head height, trapping people inside their homes.
Yesterday, we were evacuating children from Rajabhat University, gradually moving them out. The problem is some evacuate while others do not. In some parts of Bang Khla, people live deep inside areas where it’s hard to reach them because we don’t have guides everywhere. We rely on locals telling us which alleys have people.
When you went into the water to deliver supplies, were they not eating?
Bum Panadda: Many hadn’t eaten all day; some said they hadn’t eaten for three or four days. We provide two types of food: ready meals and canned food, enough to sustain them for now.
Will the situation improve? There’s news about more rain and possible dam water releases today?
Bum Panadda: We don’t know what will happen today. Our foundation sent 500 more survival kits last night to prepare victims in case rainfall or dam releases increase water levels. Last night, water in Rangsit rose 30 cm, so I plan to check there today.
The Meteorological Department warns that 11 areas in Bangkok should be wary of dam water releases, including Rangsit where your team operates in Khlong 8. How are you preparing?
Bum Panadda: It’s not just Khlong 8; we cover from Khlong 2 to Khlong 8 with a large team. We’re vigilant. Friends in Don Mueang have been asking a lot about the water situation. Everyone keeps messaging me daily, many questions all day long.
What about Don Mueang?
Bum Panadda: Water levels in Don Mueang remain high and slow to recede but are drying somewhat. People ask if rain today or tomorrow will worsen things. I tell them no need to rush to clean yet — just prepare.
In outlying areas like Chachoengsao and Prachinburi, if floodwaters stagnate like in Romklao and it rains again, what will happen? Will the water become foul?
Bum Panadda: Water levels rise, but rain dilutes the stagnation somewhat. The key is drainage and clearing debris. Only by removing water and trash can conditions improve.
Is there a lot of debris now?
Bum Panadda: Yes. Abandoned vehicles leak oil, causing dangerous black oily water. It’s very hazardous — many factors contribute.
So the water won’t recede soon?
Bum Panadda: The Meteorological Department predicts more rain. I’m watching the rainfall amounts, but it won’t surprise us further. I worry more about the South now; I can’t split myself there. Both central and southern regions face heavy rain. I can only send support from afar now.
Are more people listening now? Has the Meteorological Department improved?
Bum Panadda: Yes, sending support. People in flood-prone areas should stock canned food, drinking water — very important — documents, and personal medications in a bag for urgent evacuation. Also prepare black bags for waste and candles if possible. And remember, if evacuation is ordered, evacuate immediately.
How are the lunch boxes? After your complaints, has quality improved?
Bum Panadda: Some areas improved, but early flood days are tough—market vendors lose supplies, especially in provinces. Mostly fried egg rice boxes at first. We try to provide as best as possible since some people only get one box a day and might not eat otherwise.
Have you still received dried chicken wings from some agencies?
Bum Panadda: Once we got fried noodles cooked only in oil with tiny bits scattered, topped with a little coriander—no meat at all but claimed as thousands of boxes. I could make a hundred thousand boxes like that. This wasn’t from a foundation but a charity group. To hint, it was from a temple.
The temple sent food like that?
Bum Panadda: Maybe they’re vegetarian, we don’t know, but it was just starchy noodles with coriander—no real nutrition.
You emphasize you want flood victims to really be nourished, not that you are being picky?
Bum Panadda: Not being picky, just wanting the best effort. If you do it, do it well, so people don’t think it was a waste and complain afterward.
You spoke frankly about a private organization during the Hat Yai flood that provided meals with chicken wing scraps despite receiving government funding, implying kickbacks reduced quality. Your thoughts?
Bum Panadda: No, citizens exposed this themselves. I just echo their voices. Social media pressures government to be more transparent about aid. I open space for that.
Another update says you’ve prepared 70,000 boxes so far, aiming for 100,000?
Bum Panadda: Almost there. Our kitchen is very busy. We support not just people but also rescue workers. We try to cover entire villages no matter their size.
Sometimes I wonder who I am, but I keep going. I’m proud. Even if people call me a charity fund saint, I accept it because they don’t see how hard it is on the ground. I can’t pay for everything myself or I’d have to sell everything. So I ask everyone to donate. I don’t mind the criticism; I really can’t do it alone anymore.
Is it true your foundation's funds are almost depleted?
Bum Panadda: We have a committee; everyone knows how much money comes in and goes out. The managers know exactly what’s received and spent. So it’s transparent whether funds are depleted or not.
So are the funds running out?
Bum Panadda: We keep some reserves as required for foundation operations. We don’t spend everything until negative balance. Budgets for each project must be clear and accounted for.
So not completely out yet, but funds are tight with reserves?
Bum Panadda: Yes, money flows in and out constantly. Donations of 9 or 99 baht help a lot, but expenses can be hundreds of thousands. We use donations immediately to help people.
Don’t forget fuel costs for boats delivering food, vehicles towing boats, and expenses for multiple rescue teams across provinces like Chiang Rai, Roi Et, Surat Thani. Bangkok alone can’t handle it all.
You posted about small agencies needing government support for repairs. Has there been any response?
Bum Panadda: Yes, the Department of Disaster Prevention called to offer 5,000 baht—not necessarily for repairs but for any expenses like fuel—but payment requires in-person receipt signing. I was in Uthai Thani then and asked if transfer was possible; they said no.
Is government bureaucracy really that rigid?
Bum Panadda: Yes. I asked my team in Uthai Thani to accompany me, but they said the 5,000 baht barely covers return transport costs.
Government agencies must work more practically and nimbly in crises. How do you feel hearing this?
Bum Panadda: It’s good they provide support, but it would be better if they eased processes for teams in provinces. We have many operational plans for ministries to act during crises and shelter locations. But where are the trained personnel? I rely on friends helping in crises, but they say current staff are sufficient.
That’s frustrating because bureaucracy demands daily allowances paid two years in advance, but floods happen suddenly. How can government keep up?
Bum Panadda: Exactly, that’s why government response is slow. Who can predict floods two years ahead?
Which ministry needs reform?
Bum Panadda: All ministries. Reforms must start with the Prime Minister.The Prime Minister is under fire about pets now.Can we at least thank some ministries?
Bum Panadda: Which ministry? None have helped me except the Department of Disaster Prevention. Thanks to them, but funds have not yet been received. Please transfer soon, thank you.
The Prime Minister is also criticized over pets?
Bum Panadda: We can’t control how much people love animals. The Prime Minister may not be as attached as many families are. I saw how Prince of Songkla University managed flood shelters in Hat Yai—they zoned shelters with children and mothers on one side, and areas for people with pets on a grassy side. Those with pets stayed separated from those without. It was well done and should be an example.
You suggest shelters be divided into two nearby locations—one for pet owners with adequate high ground to avoid flooding or sun exposure. People won’t evacuate if they can’t bring pets. Many love pets like children.
All rescue workers love animals too. One cried hearing comments like that, asking what they should do.
Bum Panadda: Today, many celebrities who love animals sent messages condemning the Prime Minister’s remarks. We want to show there is a model for shelters that accommodate both people and pets, but maybe he didn’t see it in Hat Yai.
He said he fears animals disturbing others. Cute to some but not to others?
Bum Panadda: That’s understandable. Not everyone loves animals equally; some are allergic or scared. So zoning is fair and necessary, but animals shouldn’t be abandoned.
The Prime Minister’s interviews have had many communication missteps, but he seems genuinely caring?
Bum Panadda: He’s a down-to-earth, approachable person, as reporters know. He answers questions well. But as Prime Minister, some comments become sensitive issues. Attitude is crucial.
You mean the Prime Minister’s attitude?
Bum Panadda: Yes, his attitudes come through in words. A positive outlook is important because his words can encourage or upset the public. He needs to be more careful. He follows social media and once messaged me saying, "I did not give such an order" regarding the meal issue.
He actually messaged you?
Bum Panadda: Yes, long ago when he was Health Minister after COVID-19, joking that getting COVID would be disastrous.
Was it a scolding or explanation?
Bum Panadda: Explanation. He probably saw news sent to him. I told him about when he was going to a charity event but my team from Chiang Rai couldn’t deliver supplies because it was after 9 pm and his convoy blocked the way. He responded, "I did not give such an order."
Did you discuss who was responsible?
Bum Panadda: No, probably sycophants flattering him. It wasn’t just the charity event; when he went to Khlong Jinda, actor Wave Sarin was blocked too. They were overcautious.
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