Regarding the hot controversy over donations to the Thamdee Foundation, Boom Panadda Wongpudi serves as the foundation's chairperson. Money was transferred to Chang Ae, a contractor for building a pool villa in Phuket, and Chang Ae then transferred the money to Got Athip Anantawan Boom's husband, sparking public criticism. Later, Got appeared on Channel 3's “Hon Krasae” program, admitting he deceived Boom about the pool villa, which Boom was unaware of.
Most recently, Lawyer Phet Eksit Srisang Boom Panadda's attorney, also phoned in to “Hon Krasae.” When asked for his view, Lawyer Phet said, “Boom respects Khun Noom greatly. Legally, I have already stated that everything should follow due process. But since he has spoken as such on the show, and since I was just appointed Boom’s lawyer, let me explain why the complaint was not filed earlier.”
“As a legal professional, before filing a complaint against anyone, I must gather information and evidence first. I do not act based on social pressure. I have tried to uncover the truth from Got, but he never admitted anything until today’s program. Now that he has spoken this way, there is no other choice but to proceed.”
“If Boom did anything wrong, such as violating regulations, that is already a fault. But whether there was intent to defraud or if she was deceived, it depends on the evidence. If she violated rules and must take responsibility to the foundation, I have told Boom she must be prepared to lose everything, even sell her house, to compensate the foundation. If it comes to wrongdoing, we will go through the process openly. We will accept civil liability, and if criminal charges arise, it depends on the evidence.”
When asked if Boom met with Got recently and what was said, Lawyer Phet replied, “That is confidential between attorney and client. I cannot disclose what was discussed, but I can say I am compiling all facts to find the best solution. If I must talk to Got, it will be to get the truth.”
Regarding money slips showing transfers from the Thamdee Foundation’s account to contractors like Apichart (Chang Ae), how can Boom argue she was deceived into believing the funds would be used elsewhere, while the money ended up with Got? Is there evidence to counter this besides Got’s statements?
Lawyer Phet answered, “Everything follows the money trail. But what Boom insists is that if she intended to keep the money herself, she could have withdrawn cash or transferred directly to Got. If she wasn’t deceived, why transfer to Chang Ae, who then transferred to Got? Why not withdraw cash or transfer directly to Got?”
Khun Noom said it’s too obvious. Lawyer Phet responded, “Listen, if you look at the figures, why are there decimal points? I’m not saying Boom is innocent, just raising observations. I have only had 3-4 days to work on this, so I didn’t want this publicized yet. I told Boom not to release news, but if evidence emerges, the process must proceed. Whoever is at fault must face the process.”
“Regarding your advice to file a complaint, I agree. But let it be tomorrow morning. I am gathering evidence and will arrange a press conference tomorrow (3 Nov) at the Crime Suppression Division at 9:30 a.m. Today I will draft the complaint, and Boom will attend.”
Asked about charges, Lawyer Phet said, “We will file on behalf of the foundation. At least two people will be charged: Got, who has admitted, and another involved in the financial transactions. I prefer not to name them.” When asked if it’s Chang Ae, Lawyer Phet said, “I don’t want to say much. Since my client is polite and phoned in without listening to me, I must handle this.”
Khun Noom said not to blame him as he called himself. Lawyer Phet said, “I must, because he won’t listen to me. If he continues this way, I will consider whether to continue.” Khun Noom said maybe he’s worried; don’t be harsh. Lawyer Phet said, “He has a case; he must listen to me.”
Asked if he worries about being charged immediately, Lawyer Phet said, “I am ready to go through the process. Sooner or later, it must happen. If it happens tomorrow, fine. If charged, he must be detained. From experience, we have never fled or denied responsibility. I believe the court will be just.”
On the charge of defrauding the public and possible detention, Lawyer Phet said, “I am willing. Ultimately, if the court deems otherwise, everyone must respect its decision.”
Khun Noom then asked Police Major General Wichai Sangpraiphai, former commander of Metropolitan Police Division 1, nicknamed “Black-Eared Enforcer,” whether this is risky. He said it is risky. As mentioned, filing a complaint requires sufficient evidence. If someone files without evidence, police will ask for proof. The complainant must have enough evidence for the police to accept and press charges. Filing as the complainant or accuser, as Lawyer Phet said, is correct.”
Lawyer Phet thanked Khun Taem and said, “This is why I have not filed before.”“Today I have clarity from Got, whom I have been pressing. I just got this today, and I believe it is sufficient to file a complaint tomorrow.”“Thank you, Khun Taem.”
Khun Noom said,“So previously you asked but he denied, until today he admitted he transferred Boom’s money without her knowledge.” Lawyer Phet confirmed, “Correct.”
Khun Noom continued, “Boom insists and understands that the Phuket property is his vacation home, but she never knew about the pool villa. Looking back, Boom thought the transferred money was for building the foundation in Khlong 8, Pathum Thani. That’s why the property appears there. Otherwise, how could it be constructed? This means Got shuffled money between accounts, paying some expenses from one place and others from another.”
Lawyer Phet said, “Yes, but one thing I must note: Boom firmly told me and I thoroughly questioned her that whenever Chang Ae transferred money to Got, did Got ever use any for Boom’s expenses or return money to her? She said never. The money trail must be visible.”
Click to readEntertainment newsMore