Regarding the hot issue Boom Panadda Wongpudee and the case involving donations to the Good Deeds Foundation, currently she is in prison, drawing ongoing public attention, including the matter involving the Workpoint channel. By Khun Panya Nirandornkul who has also donated to the Good Deeds Foundation.
Recently, comedian Tukky Sudarat Butprom opened up about this issue at the launch of the campaign “Fund Raising ‘Eye for an Eye’ Paving the Way for Inclusive Education and Sustainable Self-Reliance” held at the Bangkok School for the Blind on Ratchawithi Road.
Asked about making merit donations to foundations?
“Well, honestly, I don’t donate to foundations. I never transfer money to any foundations that exist, including those that have caused issues for others and need investigation. I personally do not entrust my merit to middlemen or foundations. I've been like this for a long time.
Because I start by myself—when I have some money, I make merit at my local temple, whether it's Kathin, Pha Pa, Bun Bang Fai, or Candle Festival, I also join Loi Krathong. I organize activities at my own expense and rarely solicit merit donations from others. Kind-hearted elders give to me because I do not accept donations publicly; my merit-building spreads by word of mouth. So personally, I don’t favor donating money to foundations.”
Why don’t you donate to foundations?
“I prefer to do things myself, based on my own behavior. I build merit myself because relatives, neighbors, and friends in Udon Thani often ask me for help with merit activities. So I prefer to do it directly—going to Kathin and Pha Pa ceremonies myself. That’s why I’m familiar with this approach.
It’s not that I distrust anyone or am petty, but I’m more comfortable doing it myself. For example, during floods in Hat Yai, I know the community helped, and various foundations raised funds. I also helped by coordinating with local elders, buying everything needed, preparing packages, then handing them to village heads for distribution in an orderly queue.
Do you make merit donations to the Thai Red Cross Society? Yes. To the Sangha Hospital? Yes. To Workpoint’s foundation? Yes, because it involves official receipts and tax documents. I am clear about these matters.”
How do you feel when you see news like this?
“I’m surprised how someone could reach this point, and what inspired such a change. I believe news from many angles will reveal many outcomes, sometimes with clear reasons and evidence.
However, karma results from one’s actions. If it’s proven with evidence that wrongdoing occurred, then legal processes should follow. Still, I respectfully choose not to analyze or judge whether it was right or wrong. I encourage all Thai people to reflect and think for themselves about how to continue life regarding merit-making.”
Did Boom Panadda ever invite you to join?
“Let me explain in two parts. Regarding Boom Panadda, the part where she really did good—meaning she truly helped. During crises, I asked Boom for help many times, and she helped fully, achieving good results.
One event that showed her genuine effort was during COVID-19, when beds, accommodations, and quarantine spaces were scarce. About 5 to 10 close people of mine lacked beds and care during this critical time. Believe it or not, at 1 a.m. I called Boom, and within 15-20 minutes, everyone who needed beds got them.
So, regarding her actions, I saw she truly worked. When she collected donations in kind, I donated 100 boxes of fermented fish paste, and Boom helped carry them in with me. So, I saw that Boom really did help and genuinely assist.
But as for donation amounts, financial details, or fund management, I don’t know or see. If officials conclude any wrongdoing, it should be handled by law. I sincerely affirm that whenever I asked Boom Panadda for help, I truly received it.”
Asked about the donation issue from Workpoint and Khun Panya Nirandornkul?
“We acted as intermediaries. I was the host at the event where Khun Panya donated. We collected donations to give to various organizations and foundations, including Boom’s Good Deeds Foundation, which received part of the funds. At that time, representatives helping Thai people were visible, so we knew whom to give the money to.
Regarding Workpoint and Khun Panya, simply put, it was not his personal money but funds donated by many people. I was the host, with many artists answering phones receiving donations. The Good Deeds Foundation was among many organizations receiving donations to assist others.
Donors gave with pure intentions, and Khun Panya, as the representative, sincerely handed over the donations to help Thai people. However, what happened to the money afterward, we do not know or guarantee.
Therefore, as I said, Workpoint has sent lawyers to clarify the donation matter to authorities. If I recall correctly, the donations were related to flooding in Chiang Rai and Hat Yai. I’m not certain, but the amounts were not huge—around 10 to 11 million baht range.”
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