A heated controversy arose in the rescue community after a Facebook user posted a sarcastic comment saying, “I want to rant about those washed-up celebrities turning into rescuers, asking for donations on their first day.” At that time, Bum Panadda Wongpudi chairperson of the Good Deeds Organization Foundation, had traveled to Chachoengsao province to assist flood-affected residents. This sparked Bum’s immediate strong reaction, replying sharply and confirming she had received requests for help from locals before delivering 500 survival kits and setting up a field kitchen to aid victims.
Later, the original poster, Facebook user Pitchayaporn Rungsangthong, posted an apology to Bum Panadda, admitting fault for the misleading post that caused public misunderstanding and damage to Bum’s reputation.
Recently, Bum held a press meeting to clarify the issue, revealing that the opposing party had called to apologize through coordination by Tac Pharanyu. Bum confirmed that her team properly reported their presence and followed procedures correctly, focusing primarily on helping the people.
Bum Panadda said that around 10 a.m., the Facebook user who made the sarcastic post called to clear things up, asserting the post was not about her. However, she expressed confusion, wondering which celebrity was meant if not her, noting that misunderstandings could be resolved through conversation and that she did not want anyone to look down on celebrities doing rescue work.
Regarding suspicions that her team was not registered in the system, Bum insisted they had reported properly. Before she went to Bang Khla district, the Sawang Pattaya team, one of her affiliated units, entered the area first and reported to local officials, with photo evidence to confirm. If Sawang Pattaya had already reported, she questioned the need to report again herself. She manages about 16 to 17 rescue teams working across several provinces, each with different duties including aiding victims, procuring equipment, and supporting teams in the field.
Concerning disaster management protocols, Bum explained that normally reports go to relevant agencies, especially the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and provincial governors during major disasters. Local rescuers coordinate incoming teams from outside regarding equipment, boats, and routes to ensure efficient assistance, but one does not have to report directly to local rescuers. Although a celebrity, she has undergone extensive disaster management training and ensures her team is licensed and trained to work properly.
Despite the original Facebook user’s apology call, Bum said she is ready to pursue legal action if others who are unaware of the facts spread damaging criticisms. She acknowledged feeling hurt by being labeled a “washed-up celebrity” but chooses to overlook it because the people’s suffering is more important.
When asked how the situation might differ if the parties involved were Ple Nakorn or Aum Atichart, who also worked in the area, Bum said to be ready but stressed this should not become a conflict. Ultimately, everyone shares the same goal: helping the people. After the apology, she considers the matter closed and is ready to collaborate with all sides to avoid conflict.
Regarding criticisms of the rescue system or labeling celebrities, she is willing to overlook such comments as long as the public does not suffer additional hardship.
Currently, the flood situation remains serious with ongoing thunderstorms and many areas unable to drain water quickly, especially Rangsit, Lam Luk Ka, Bang Khla, and Prachinburi. She has instructed rescue teams to increase fieldwork and set up kitchens to aid residents. Some rescue teams have been working continuously for nearly two weeks and have returned to rest but are ready to resume support if conditions worsen.
For future aid efforts, Bum said she will strive to hear directly from affected residents to avoid duplicate distribution in areas already assisted and to ensure help reaches those truly in need. She emphasized that most of her personal income from work is used for field operations and is kept separate from foundation funds.
Finally, Bum sent encouragement to victims and all officials, acknowledging that this year’s floods are severe and widespread, with concern now for southern provinces affected by storms. She pledged to continue helping with full effort and urged everyone to cooperate, saying, “I can be hurt, but not the people,” because in crises, the most important thing is working together to assist those suffering.
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