The chief of the Economic Crime Suppression Division is speeding up the investigation into the financial transactions of the "Boom Panadda" Foundation, firmly rejecting claims that she was deceived by her husband. Investigations found that foundation donation money was used for personal expenses. As the foundation chairperson, she must take responsibility for financial management and oversight.
On 4 Nov 2026 GMT+7, Police Major General Thunphoom Jaruprat, commander of the Economic Crime Suppression Division, revealed progress in examining the financial trail and operations of the foundation of Ms. Panadda Wongpudi, known as Boom. Preliminary investigations included questioning donors who transferred funds, most of whom were aware of the official donation channels, donation timing, and amounts. It was found that the money was not used according to the foundation’s intended purposes. The victims’ case is straightforward with clear patterns of misconduct.
Regarding Boom Panadda's defense—that she is a victim deceived by her husband and unaware of the financial matters—Police Major General Thunphoom confirmed that investigators do not give weight to these claims. As foundation chairperson, she has direct responsibility for managing finances, accounting, monitoring expenditures to ensure they align with the foundation’s goals, and certifying financial statements and annual reports submitted to the Revenue Department.
The claim by Boom Panadda’s husband that he was unaware or that his wife was uninvolved is a defense the accused may assert. However, legal evidence, including testimony from accountants and auditors, points otherwise. Such claims are unconvincing and not believed by the police. Considering her legal authority and repeated actions, it is impossible for her to claim ignorance.
Regarding legal procedures and issuing summons or arrest warrants, investigators are accelerating evidence collection and assembling the case comprehensively. They consider the case's severity, its broad social impact, and risks of evidence tampering. Although the charges carry severe penalties and courts could approve arrest warrants immediately, investigators will choose legal measures appropriate to the circumstances.
In questioning related individuals, especially contractors like Chang Ae, the builder of a pool villa in Phuket, investigators interviewed him last night. Chang M, the contractor for the foundation’s construction in Khlong 8, Pathum Thani, is scheduled for questioning today at 14:00 GMT+7. Authorities are determining whether these individuals are mere witnesses or involved as primary conspirators.
Police Major General Thunphoom illustrated the financial investigation approach: every step must be reasonable under general business principles, from acquiring land ownership, legal transactions at the land office, contractor hiring, clear contract terms with defined prices and milestones, to witnesses involved in contracts and payments. Irregularities such as lacking contracts or unjustified overpayments will form the basis to prove the true intent of all involved.
Regarding the damage amount, Police Major General Thunphoom stated officials are thoroughly verifying the entire financial trail to establish facts and prosecute offenders decisively. He confirmed Boom Panadda used foundation donation funds for personal expenses. However, he denied having data supporting rumors that Boom misappropriated 800 million baht from the foundation.
Last evening, Ms. Araya Alberta Hargett (Rangsisingpipat), known as Chompoo Araya, a famous actress, provided information to investigators. Meanwhile, Ms. Ranee Campen, known as Bella, another well-known actress, has yet to contact the authorities for questioning.