Ponpi is preparing to overhaul the foundations and associations system to close loopholes and increase penalties. He revealed that the Good Deeds Foundation has not submitted income, expense, or balance sheet reports since 2022, setting a deadline to submit by 10 Nov. Failure to comply will result in court action to revoke the foundation's registration.
On 4 Nov 2026 at the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Ponpi Suwanchavee, Deputy Minister of Interior, said after a meeting on foundation regulation that the ministry has conducted a thorough review. Initially, the ministry will integrate efforts internally by amending ministerial regulations and certain laws related to foundation establishment to enhance transparency and public access to information. The Department of Provincial Administration has an online system for foundations and associations to report as required—covering meeting agendas, donations received, expenses, and balance sheets. He has ordered improvements to enable tracking of donors to ensure contributors can verify how their donations are used for charitable or public purposes. Discussions have also been held about decentralizing oversight authority to local registrars for foundation inspections. The current penalties under laws drafted since 1992 are outdated and unsuitable for current circumstances. He emphasized the ministry's commitment, believing that associations and foundations aim to help the public, but if there are transparency issues or public doubts, it is the Ministry of Interior's duty to investigate.
Regarding investigations into money trails, that responsibility lies with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), which examines whether funds transferred to individuals or entities are lawful. Currently, the Ministry of Interior can only verify whether foundations or associations have submitted their accounts. If the Department of Provincial Administration suspects irregularities in foundation accounts, it will issue official requests for explanations. Meanwhile, the Department of Lands has reported on the properties held by the Good Deeds Foundation, including their value, but cannot investigate the source of funds used to purchase those lands.
On penalties for failure to submit accounts or other violations, Ponpi said that if a foundation or association breaches its regulations, it may face revocation. However, revocation cannot be immediate; the case must be sent to court for a judicial decision. If a foundation is found to have broken the law, its assets will revert to the state. Alternatively, if a foundation closes voluntarily, it must specify the recipient of its assets. For example, the Good Deeds Foundation, associated with Boom Panadda, has indicated it will donate its assets to the Thai Red Cross Society.
When asked how the Ministry of Interior will protect donors to foundations, Ponpi said the system is currently online, and he has tasked officials to review the details submitted. The goal is not only to see income and expenses but also to identify who transferred funds to whom, enabling the ministry to verify transactions. Donors will be able to check how their contributions were used by the foundation or association. The system will be designed to respect individual privacy rights and comply with PDPA law, determining who can access the financial data. Since donations may come from hundreds or thousands of people, some may wish to keep their contributions confidential. Thus, related regulations and laws will be reviewed. He emphasized the aim is to maximize transparency and public oversight, applying these standards uniformly across all foundations and associations.
Regarding the issue of public figures using personal accounts to collect donations, Ponpi said discussions have taken place because some prominent individuals may intend to help or conduct charity without establishing formal foundations or associations. He urged those still using personal accounts to demonstrate transparency so the public can verify the amounts received. There is also the matter of separating personal funds from donations. He invited such individuals to consult with the Ministry of Interior about properly establishing foundations or associations under the law. He acknowledged that the ministry cannot prohibit people from using personal accounts or monitor how those funds are used. However, if the public has doubts, the ministry is willing to act as a mediator to coordinate with other agencies for investigation.
When asked whether the Good Deeds Foundation has submitted correct income and expense reports, Ponpi said that since its establishment in 2022, no information—such as meeting agendas, minutes, income and expense accounts, or annual balance sheets—has been submitted to the Ministry of Interior or the Department of Provincial Administration. The ministry has not been idle; it has sent letters to the foundation requesting these details, but the foundation has yet to provide them. The letter set a final deadline of 10 Nov for submission.
Asked if any irregularities have been found in the financial reports, Ponpi said he has not reviewed media content, but the current issue is the total lack of reporting to the Ministry of Interior. The ministry does not know the foundation's income, expenses, or balance sheets, nor the budget remaining after public assistance activities. They must wait until 10 Nov, the final deadline for the Good Deeds Foundation to submit its reports to the ministry. If no submission occurs, legal action will be initiated through the courts, which provide both civil and criminal penalties. If wrongdoing is confirmed, the foundation's assets will be transferred to the state or the Thai Red Cross Society, in line with the foundation's original objectives.
Asked about rumors that 'Gun Jomphalang' purchased land for Boom Panadda, Ponpi said he has instructed the Department of Lands to investigate. The initial results show that Gun Jomphalang is not listed as the land transferor to Boom Panadda.