Following the shocking entertainment industry news Boom Panadda Wongpudi involved in the issue of charitable donations to the 'Good Deeds' foundation being misused personally, contrary to donation purposes, leading to her current imprisonment.
Recently, Thairath Entertainment interviewed actor Tide Ekapan Banluerit, a volunteer at Ruamkatanyu Foundation, about the recent controversy and asked whether Ruamkatanyu would cooperate if audits were conducted.
"Right now, this is a very hot topic. Many people who have donated to Ruamkatanyu are worried. Tide, could you help reassure them?"
Tide Ekapan: "No need to worry at all. This is me, Bin, and many artists who have been involved with Ruamkatanyu Foundation. Everyone says in unison that the foundation does more than what donors provide. We focus on the people—this is the heart of Ruamkatanyu Foundation. We established it to serve the people and honor our gratitude to Thailand."
"Ruamkatanyu Foundation has no personal gain whatsoever. We survive because people donate and buy coffins. We have no other income. We would never dare to use even 100 or 200 baht for personal use or buy personal items. Absolutely not."
"If called for an audit, would you cooperate?"
Tide Ekapan: "Absolutely. One agency came randomly to inspect before, and we explained everything with all receipts."
"Even when we go out to help disaster victims, we keep receipts for expenses like fuel and meals, because we often travel in groups. We submit detailed financial reports to the Department of Social Welfare and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, showing all income and expenses."
"Tide, how many years have you and Top been with Ruamkatanyu?"
Tide Ekapan: "40 years. We started in 1986; now it's 2026, so 40 years."
"Can you confirm that you have always worked transparently and paid taxes?"
Tide Ekapan: "Taxes are all properly allocated. Top and I receive no salary from Ruamkatanyu because we are volunteers. We have no financial interest in the foundation or its donations. When we go on missions, we may distribute money to those in need, withdrawing funds from the foundation. Every baht is recorded, specifying how many families and people receive aid. All income and expenses are documented, including food, fuel for vehicles and boats. Every expense has a receipt."
"From another perspective, having audits helps clear up any issues so the public won't have doubts."
Tide Ekapan: "Exactly. If you are transparent from the start, buttoning up correctly, then the rest will fall into place without needing corrections."
"There is a lot of drama around Boom Panadda now. You and Top see her often. How do you feel about the news?"
Tide Ekapan: "The public trusted and loved her greatly, donating millions. I heard Workpoint donated 5 million baht. When the outcome comes out, it breaks the faith people had. It's heartbreaking and hard to believe, but it happened.""For me and Bin, don't trust or blindly believe in just us two yet. There's a long time ahead to observe; don't prematurely judge us as good people."
"Before, when you met Boom, did she show any signs of such behavior?"
Tide Ekapan: "Every time we met, she praised us and we praised her back. She said she stays strong because of us and considers us her idols, urging us to keep fighting."
"About three months ago, she called me about her daughter Anda going to Japan alone for the first time. She asked if I knew anyone who could look after Anda. My youngest daughter, Mulan, is studying in Japan, so I arranged for them to connect and look out for each other."
"That was our last conversation. We are like siblings. As for any legal issues, let the justice system handle them."
"Exactly."
"What message do you want to send to the public? Many are following the news and feeling heartbroken."
Tide Ekapan: "Every foundation is registered with the intention of being non-profit and not seeking benefits. They survive on public faith and donations. Ruamkatanyu has never solicited donations even during disasters—no asking for money to buy food or supplies."
"We use donated funds to support people affected by disasters like floods, droughts, and fires. The chairman repeatedly forbids solicitation. Only Ruamkatanyu Foundation can withdraw money from its funds."
"Some foundations immediately set up donation tables and solicit small amounts during disasters to buy food for victims, but it's impossible to verify how much money they get or spend. Our chairman, Dr. Ratana Somsakulroongruang, avoids such solicitation, banning any fundraising online or otherwise."
"Ruamkatanyu only accepts donations offered directly to the foundation. We do not go out to solicit donations."
"Is it a rule that volunteers are prohibited from soliciting donations individually?"
Tide Ekapan: "Correct. This prevents potential problems, which have actually happened."
"Are there still good organizations and foundations that the public can rely on?"
Tide Ekapan: "Absolutely. Just look at Bin's fieldwork—people are happy and smiling when we arrive. We give so much we hardly know how to give more. Even now, Ruamkatanyu prepares cooked meals for those paying respects to Her Majesty the Queen Mother, a tradition continuing for years."
"The public can trust us, but everyone should choose carefully where to donate."
Tide Ekapan: "This is an individual's action, so don't generalize all foundations as the same. If that were true, foundations wouldn't last. Po Tek Tung has existed for over 100 years, Ruamkatanyu nearly 60, and others have their principles and legal compliance, enabling their longevity. This is an isolated individual case, so don't generalize. There are many good foundations."
"Are you disappointed in Boom?"
:""
Tide Ekapan: "Separate the foundation from the individual. Our brotherhood remains unchanged; I am not disappointed in Boom personally. But I am disappointed in the 'Good Deeds' organization—its board and staff should have warned or noticed issues over nearly 10 years and billions of baht. People should have realized and acted sooner. When problems emerged, some resigned. I am truly disappointed in that organization."
"As for Boom, mistakes can happen. A bad person turning good is praised, but a good person turning bad is very unfortunate for Thai society." "Does Ruamkatanyu have plans for the end of this year?" Tide Ekapan: "Yes, a major event—the royal ceremony. We will prepare and distribute food and drinks to hundreds of thousands of Thai people attending. We've been preparing for nearly a year, spending around 10 to 20 million baht daily. We do this for nation, religion, and monarchy."
"If emergencies occur, Ruamkatanyu has branches nationwide ready to assist?"
Tide Ekapan: "Ruamkatanyu is present wherever disasters occur, guaranteed."
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