"Pond Jakkrit Tangton," a well-known rescue worker, explained he is not listed in the association because of past military service issues. He used a personal account to receive donations due to urgent purchase needs; the account has now been closed. He insists the transactions can be verified and clarified.
A page recently raised questions about the association’s 246 million baht donation fund, implicating a famous rescue influencer with allegations of embezzlement and personal withdrawal of funds, sparking public debate.
Subsequently, "Pond Jakkrit Tangton," the famous rescue influencer, responded on his personal Facebook page, saying, “246 million, oh my goodness, hahaha, I’ll reveal everything on every show—but they must bring the evidence themselves.” The accuser is reportedly Naina, an old adversary involved in a previous dispute over land rent because Pond once planned to build a large Vessuwan deity statue at the Somlom intersection in Rayong province, where there was one land plot co-owned by Naina.
Pond Jakkrit and his association team spoke openly about the drama on the "Hon Krasae" show, addressing issues including the land lease and the use of a personal account to receive donations.
Naina stated that previously Pond signed a lease for 365 square wah of land at 15,000 baht per month with a three-year contract but paid annually. Pond later made a video claiming he purchased the land for 7 million baht, and a second video claimed donated money was used for this purchase. Naina presented evidence and questioned why, if there was a lease contract, Pond made videos claiming to have bought the land. She considered this misinformation, insisting that if it was a lease, it should be stated as such, not presented as a purchase funded by donations.
Later, the partners called Pond to negotiate, agreeing on a land sale for 8.8 million baht. Pond put down a 1 million baht deposit but did not buy the land under the association’s name; instead, it was registered under his mother’s name. Pond claimed donated money was used for the purchase, but if association funds were used, the land should be under the association’s name. Naina said they have written contracts as evidence.
Naina also commented that she warned Pond about criticizing relatives of the deceased for not helping out due to fear of PDPA issues. Pond, a volunteer, allegedly took her comment and used it to rally online harassment against her, including live insults and threats to bring a parade vehicle to her home, leading her to feel harassed.
Additionally, Naina questioned why Pond, who was never listed in the association, accepted donations in its name using a personal account as a backup, which appeared in posts during 2020–2021.
Pond explained that he wasn’t listed in the association because of military evasion issues before he returned to face his obligations. Because of this, he didn’t want his name on the association, as it prevented him from conducting transactions.
Regarding receiving donations during the COVID-19 period, Pond said urgent purchases were needed and funds could not be withdrawn quickly from the association’s account since he was out of town. The personal account was eventually closed and audited, and he is able to clarify the figures.
Source: Hon Krasae program