After Kanchai Kanpnaploy had previously donated money to the Good Deed Foundation, which Boom Panadda Wongpudi chairs, back in 2024, before a controversy arose over the donations after Gott Athip Ananthawan, Boom's husband, admitted to using the money to build a pool villa in Phuket Province without Boom's knowledge, leading the matter into the justice system. Recently, Kanchai came to the Crime Suppression Division to provide information as a donor, then gave an interview to the media.
Did you come today to give testimony about the donation?
"I came following an invitation from the central investigation regarding the donation to the Good Deed Foundation. I donated one million baht, one time."
What was the purpose of the donation then?
"The purpose was to contribute to flood recovery. It was around September 2024, possibly for floods in Chiang Rai and Mae Sai—I’m not certain. Did we discuss privately? No, there was no private conversation. Actually, I donated without informing anyone, but I saw they were collecting donations to help, and I felt the northern region was struggling, so I donated. After that, I didn’t think much about it."
Why did you decide to donate to the Good Deed Foundation when there are many foundations?
"If I recall correctly, I donated to two places: one to Boom Panadda's foundation, and another privately to Gun Jomphalang, also with a million baht each."
When it was revealed that the money was used to build a shrine and other places, causing confusion about the financial flow, what does this reflect to you?
"Honestly, as I’ve said before, when I donated, I wasn’t concerned about how the money would be used, as long as it was within the foundation’s scope to help people. I understand that many people donated during that time, so there might be leftover money used for other things, but I just hoped it stayed within the organization that supports people. I had no objections."
When police asked you to provide information, what did they want?
"They didn’t specify much, just asked me to come give information. I asked who else was invited, and they said probably Putt Apiwan, and also Chompoo (Araya A. Hargate) and Bella (Ranee Campen). I agreed to come."
Did you prepare any documents for the police?
"I just printed the donation slip; nothing else."
Did you think the one million baht donation could be used for tax deductions or company transactions?
"No, I didn’t think about tax deductions. I just wanted to help and didn’t ask for any tax receipts."
Do you regret the one million baht you donated now that this issue has arisen?
"Personally, I don’t regret it. I feel I have done a good deed. If someone misused the money, that’s their responsibility, whoever they are."
Are you disappointed after this incident?
"At this moment, the facts are not fully clear about when the money was used. I don’t feel disappointed yet. But if it turns out the money was misused or spent outside the intended purpose, then yes, I would feel disappointed."
"The donation was clearly marked for flood recovery and not for other unrelated things. If the money was spent on buying houses, bags, or anything unrelated to helping those in need, it would be disappointing."
Boom said this involved someone close, admitted mistakes, and is trying to repay the foundation personally. What’s your view?
"I won’t intrude as it’s Boom's right to explain. I’ve known Boom since we were young. Deep down, I support her and hope what she says—that she was deceived—is true. But the key is the money trail and the police investigation. That can’t be avoided and must be resolved."
Gott claimed Boom was unaware of this. Do you believe him?
"Can I say if I believe him? I can’t say. But it is strange. If Gott deceived Boom from the start, why didn’t he speak up earlier? Isn’t it too late? And if he did deceive her, do you realize that delaying your statement causes trouble for Boom? When he spoke to me on the show, it wasn’t clear or convincing."
Is it unusual for spouses not to know about each other’s matters? How likely is that?
"Well, every family is different. They may have their own boundaries. I won’t intrude. But it is suspicious that the contractor, named Chang Ae, told me on the show something different: Gott says Boom didn’t know about the pool villa construction, but Chang Ae said Boom knew from the start. That makes it confusing—who is telling the truth?"
After Boom phoned into the show, did you have further private talks?
"We exchanged a few Line messages, but only emojis. No real conversation."
Why do many famous actors choose to donate large sums to Boom? Is it a trend or genuine trust?
"It’s about trust. I don’t donate only to Boom. I donate to people close to me or those I trust, even other foundations like Puen Pueng (Pha) Yamyak. I don’t choose just one, but if I need to donate, I prefer those close to me because I see them on the ground doing the work."
Do you trust Boom’s name or personal relationship?
"I trust Boom herself because I see her actively working on site."
How do you feel about the negative repercussions from that trust?
"I don’t feel bad yet. As I said, we need concrete facts first. There may be evidence pointing to Boom, but she has the right to explain. It’s a process."
Have you talked with other entertainment friends who also donated?
"I haven’t talked to anyone except Putt Apiwan. We talked yesterday about when he would come. He works evenings, so he’ll come in the morning; I work mornings, so I’ll come in the evening. We didn’t discuss anything else."
Do you think Boom can recover her reputation if she clears her name? Though it’s unclear how she will do that?
"It will take time. If Boom was truly deceived, time is needed because public trust has been damaged. Even if she’s innocent, people will say she was ‘fooled by her husband.’ That will haunt her, so I believe she will need to pause for a while."
Any advice for Boom?
"That’s difficult (smiles). I’d say she should tell the whole truth. The truth protects herself. Even if she made mistakes, truthfulness can lessen the severity. It depends on what she has done."
Will you be more cautious about donations from now on?
"I know there are many foundations in Thailand. Actually, Oil Sri recently called for audits of all non-governmental or non-charitable foundations. The government needs to enforce oversight."
"Do I still donate? Yes, I do. I feel that what I receive should be returned to the public. I’m here today because of viewers. When I get advertising money, I set aside some to help those in hardship or pay for education for underprivileged children. I still believe there are good people who truly help those affected."
"But I really urge all foundations that have sprung up like mushrooms to simply reconcile their accounts monthly to show the public. It’s very easy. If you receive donations, just open an account showing monthly income and expenses, posting it on a trusted website."
"Just show the public if the money is used properly. How much comes in and goes out each month. It’s not difficult. Going out to help people is harder than explaining monthly finances. Why can’t you do it? That would be transparent and honorable."
What will you look for first if you donate again?
"I’d look for a genuine charitable foundation, preferably affiliated with the government or credible organizations. I don’t want other influencers who help distressed people to lose heart. I don’t have the energy to face floods or disasters; I rely on influencers. But trust comes from your own transparency."
"If you can convince the public, you are honorable. Show how every baht is used, open the numbers. You receive one million, spent 800,000, have 200,000 left—what was the 800,000 used for? It’s not hard. But if you don’t show it, and such a scandal happens, people will lose trust and be disappointed."
Do you recall approximately how much you have donated to all foundations?
"Don’t make me say it. It’s millions a year. Don’t make me say it (laughs)."
Anything you want to say to Gott?
"I want Gott to tell the truth about what happened. As I said, truth is the most important thing that protects you and your family. This is serious because it’s public money. Don’t forget that some donors may be poor, giving 100 or 10 baht, which is difficult for them, but they entrust you to help others. Think carefully if this is how you should act."
There are rumors some donations were used to buy brand-name goods?
"I don’t know, but I’ve heard rumors too. That’s for the police to clarify."
Regarding your exclamation on the show that you just found out your donation was used to build a pool villa?
"My timeline is that the villa was built last year, but my donations were from the year before. However, there is a money trail from recent fundraising that coincides with expenditures on the same day. It’s shocking because the money ended up in the hands of Mr. Apichart."
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