The Prime Minister ordered the regulation of foundations, warning against individuals exploiting them for personal gain. He instructed decisive action against foundations whose activities do not align with their objectives and whose behavior may constitute fraud against the public.
At 11:15 a.m. on 3 Nov 2026 at the Montathip Hall International Convention Center in Mueang Udon Thani District, Udon Thani Province, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul commented on the Cabinet directive to regulate foundations. He ordered Pol.Ppl. Suwanchai, Deputy Minister of Interior overseeing social regulation, along with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, and the Police Chief, to establish measures supervising and inspecting foundation registrations and fundraising methods. This is to ensure all foundations operate properly and meet standards, using public donations to address issues faced by victims as intended. He emphasized that no person or group should misuse these foundations to unjustly profit through fraud or deceit against the public. He warned against intermediaries exploiting donated resources for personal gain, which is a criminal offense. He thanked and praised those genuinely helping those in distress but vowed the government would act to prevent inequality and exploitation of citizens by anyone seeking personal benefit.
Anutin said any foundation conducting activities inconsistent with its founding objectives or engaging in behavior that defrauds the public by misusing donated money or goods for purposes other than public charity is breaking the law. Responsible agencies such as the police, Anti-Money Laundering Office, Department of Provincial Administration, and provincial authorities will strictly and decisively act against such cases. When asked if foundations must disclose their income and expenses publicly, Anutin said all foundations are required to submit annual operational reports to the Department of Provincial Administration, which serves as their registrar. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior provides the details. The government has ordered all relevant agencies to act firmly and strictly to protect the interests of charitable citizens.
Meanwhile, government spokesperson Ekaphop Pianpiset stated that the measures aim to ensure all foundations operate according to their registered objectives properly, maintain standards, and remain accountable. Especially the management of donations and goods from the public must be used to aid victims and those in distress in line with donors' intentions and the foundation's founding purposes.
The Prime Minister emphasized the government will not allow individuals or groups to misuse foundation status to seek improper benefits or exploit the public’s faith and goodwill as a means to deceive or defraud. The Ministry of Interior, as the supervisory agency for foundations, associations, and public benefit organizations, must expedite regulation, inspection, monitoring, and closely watch operations to protect donors and aid those in hardship.
Foundations operating activities inconsistent with their founding objectives or misusing donated funds or goods may be violating fundraising control laws, criminal laws on fraud against the public, and anti-money laundering legislation. Upon detection of violations, relevant agencies must enforce laws strictly and decisively.
Additionally, the Prime Minister instructed all foundations to submit annual operational reports to the Department of Provincial Administration as registrar, enabling continuous government oversight of operations, donation usage, and alignment with founding objectives. This promotes transparency and builds public trust among donors.