The ECD chief revealed the modus operandi of donation transfers for building a pool villa and the Good Deeds Foundation at Khlong 8. He disclosed that although "Boom Panadda" claimed no knowledge, transaction data showing over a hundred transfers annually along with SMS alerts received on her phone constitute clear evidence for police to consider.
On 7 Nov 2026 at the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), Police Major General Thatsapoom Jaruprat, chief of the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD), briefed the media on the progress of investigations into the Good Deeds Foundation led by Boom Panadda Wongpudi. He detailed the use of donation funds for building a pool villa in Phuket, constructing a new foundation, and the scrutiny of individuals involved in the financial transactions.
Police Major General Thatsapoom said current findings include the use of funds to build a pool villa in Phuket. The suspect may claim ignorance about the source of the funds transferred and state that Mr. Athip, or 'Gott,' handled payments to 'Chang Ae,' the contractor. However, investigations into the transfer patterns indicate that Ms. Panadda was aware of these transactions.
In construction agreements between clients and contractors, contracts specifying details and payment terms are required. Police found money flowing from the foundation's accounts, Ms. Panadda's personal account, and donation accounts to contractor Chang Ae totaling over 90 million baht, exceeding the agreed price by approximately 18 million baht.
Police questioned why transfers exceeded the agreed price by 18 million baht. Upon withdrawal of these funds, nearly 50 million baht was transferred back into the account of Ms. Panadda's husband, 'Gott,' with some funds also returning to Ms. Panadda's own account.
Similarly, during the construction of a new foundation at Khlong 8 in Pathum Thani province, a different contractor replaced Chang Ae. Police found transfers exceeding agreements with some funds flowing back to the suspects' group.
Police view this as another method of diverting funds from the donation accounts beyond transfers to personal accounts, including purchases of branded handbags, jewelry, and investments in various funds. Details of the accounts used remain confidential within the investigation.
While the suspect asserts no knowledge of the transfers, police maintain they have clear evidence to pursue charges: hundreds of transactions per year with SMS alerts sent to Ms. Panadda's phone each time. Although claims of ignorance must be heard, belief depends on corroborating evidence.
Regarding the donation process and misuse of funds, evidence shows Ms. Panadda used more than 70% of donations for personal activities.
Authorities confirmed that since the foundation's establishment, Ms. Panadda has filed tax returns with the Revenue Department only twice. Police noted that donation amounts rose sharply in 2024–2025, with annual inflows of about 200–300 million baht, raising questions about the absence of tax reporting.
Police Major General Thatsapoom sees these actions as part of a scheme under investigation, raising suspicions that the foundation was not established with genuine intent but rather involved in defrauding the public.
Regarding withdrawal of foundation funds for personal use since 2015, police confirmed traceability even for cash withdrawals at bank counters. The accused must explain the purpose of these funds, including purchases of branded bags and fund transfers. It is not yet confirmed whether funds were used personally since account opening, but evidence is clear, giving the accused the right to explain.
From 2015 to present, foundation transactions number approximately 3.2 million, totaling about 815 million baht. Roughly 527 million baht were misused, with about 280 million baht actually used for foundation activities.
Police Major General Thatsapoom affirmed that around 527 million baht was removed from accounts but requested time for investigators to verify details. The figures are approximate, based on ongoing investigations over 4–5 months.
Regarding issuing warrants for second- and third-tier individuals, Police Major General Thatsapoom said that these individuals will be summoned for questioning to clarify money sources and transactions, especially the third tier who received funds from suspects. Not all recipients are necessarily culpable; explanations and supporting evidence are required. To consider conspiracy to launder money, investigators will assess knowledge or motives behind accepting or transferring illicit funds.
He added that police plan to summon second- and third-tier individuals for questioning starting next week.
On who is the mastermind or 'Last Boss,' Police Major General Thatsapoom said the investigation is ongoing. There is no distinction of a single mastermind; all individuals receiving funds are subject to scrutiny. The probe will extend to related persons, especially second-tier foundation board members and contractors receiving transfers, to clarify fund usage. If money entered personal accounts without justification, it may constitute money laundering conspiracy. Transfers back to Ms. Panadda may also indicate laundering. All persons with significant funds and involvement in financial flows will be summoned.
Regarding the deletion of donation posts, Police Major General Thatsapoom confirmed authorities collected all relevant data before the page was removed, so evidence remains intact. The page administrator has also been questioned.
Asked how income and expenses will be separated between personal and foundation accounts—such as branded bags, cars, and luxury homes purchased by Ms. Panadda—Police Major General Thatsapoom said this is not an obstacle. Personal income would be taxable, allowing investigators to distinguish foundation funds from personal assets.
Police found that over 10 years, Ms. Panadda declared personal income tax not exceeding about 2.5 million baht annually, totaling roughly 25 million baht. While she may have other businesses, police have examined company registrations but found earnings inconsistent with asset values.
Financial records also enable identification of where and when branded bags were purchased, allowing comparison with donation account transfers.
Police affirmed fairness regarding cash withdrawals and usage, requiring the accused to explain expenditures. Evidence clearly links financial trails to branded bag purchases, not just cash withdrawals held at home before purchases. Thus, tracing money for asset acquisition is straightforward and distinguishable by source.
Regarding the trail running field, Police Major General Thatsapoom said it is a separate case under investigation by Ban Na Police Station, Nakhon Nayok, involving military concerns over possible trespassing on military land.
Acquisition of the trail field is not land ownership but usage rights. Police have information on the funding source and are exchanging data with relevant agencies. They confirmed knowledge of the money's origin but withheld details.
When asked if funds transferred from the foundation to Ms. Panadda were used to pay for trail field rights, police said they know the fund source and originating account but cannot disclose details as it falls under Ban Na Police Station's jurisdiction.
Asked about seizing the trail field, police said the area is state property, and involved parties purchased only usage rights, not land ownership. Actions depend on Ban Na Police Station, with police respecting local investigation boundaries.
Regarding Ms. Panadda filing a complaint against her husband, police have not concluded whether it is false. Police Major General Thatsapoom said the local investigators will decide, with inter-agency information sharing ongoing. Genuine complaints will proceed accordingly; false ones will be assessed by evidence.
Deputy Commissioner Suwat Sangnum of the Central Investigation Bureau added that it is premature to judge the complaint as false. Authorities will first investigate thoroughly, as ECD and related agencies operate under the CIB with linked evidence. Actions will be determined once facts emerge.
Asked about links to online gambling networks or cybercrime, police said preliminary checks found no connections. However, investigations will examine all aspects, including the money trail's origin and destination. If funds go to others aware they came from crime, charges of money laundering conspiracy may apply. If recipients are innocent, facts and evidence will guide conclusions.
Regarding previous account freezes or actions against Ms. Panadda's accounts, police said the current case concerns public fraud. Prior account freezes relate to another case; if links are found, further investigation will follow.
Deputy Commissioner Suwat urged genuine foundations helping the public not to be discouraged by this incident and to continue their charitable work. He warned against setting up foundations to deceive the public, emphasizing that exploiting public trust for personal gain is unacceptable and truth will eventually emerge.
He quoted Judge Bao: “The sky's net may have holes, but nothing escapes.” Meaning that no matter how one tries to evade, truth will surface and offenders will face strict prosecution.
He also advised donors to continue supporting charities but to verify that foundations are sincere and operate properly to ensure donations are used appropriately.
He called on regulatory agencies, including registrars, the Revenue Department, banks, and others, to report irregularities to police. Members of the public, donors or not, who observe suspicious foundation behavior should provide information to authorities. Ignoring such issues, especially due to a foundation's reputation, can allow similar problems to arise.
Deputy Commissioner Suwat emphasized that doing good is commendable and should not be discouraged. Those acting with ill intent will face strict action. The Central Investigation Bureau will conduct professional, impartial investigations, standing with the public.