By Karim Hammam
Former Miss Thailand Panadda “Boom” Wongphudee, 50, was arrested at her Bangkok home on Friday on charges of money laundering and fraud related to her charitable foundation.
Investigation into donations
Authorities are examining approximately 1 billion baht ($30 million) raised by the Do Good Organisation Foundation, also known as the Goodness Foundation. Police have frozen 17 bank accounts containing around 60 million baht linked to Wongphudee and her husband, businessman and fitness influencer Atip Anantawan, and are investigating assets including houses, land, vehicles and luxury goods.
Allegations of misuse
Investigators allege that donations intended for disaster victims were diverted for personal purchases, including a swimming pool villa in Phuket. Donated goods such as bottled water, soap and clothing were reportedly found stored in a warehouse instead of being distributed to flood victims.
Conflicting explanations
Wongphudee, who won Miss Thailand in 2000 and became a familiar figure during the country’s frequent floods, has offered conflicting accounts of the foundation’s finances. She initially suggested she had been misled and blamed her husband over the Phuket property, and indicated she intended to seek a divorce. Before her arrest, she apologised publicly to supporters, saying she was ready to face the judicial process.
Government response
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered a nationwide review of registered foundations, stating that no individual should be allowed to exploit charitable foundations for personal benefit through deception or fraud.
