A former Miss Thailand has been arrested over allegations of money laundering and fraud.
Panadda “Boom” Wongphudee, 50, was detained at her Bangkok home on Friday after a court issued arrest warrants for her and her husband, businessman and fitness influencer Atip Anantawan.
Investigators are examining approximately 1bn baht ($30m) raised by Panadda’s Do Good Organisation Foundation, also known as the Goodness Foundation.
Police have reportedly frozen 17 bank accounts containing around 60m baht linked to the couple and are investigating assets including houses, land, vehicles and luxury goods.
Panadda, who won Miss Thailand in 2000, became a familiar figure during the country’s frequent floods and other emergencies, personally distributing relief supplies and appealing for public donations. Her charity reportedly attracted contributions from ordinary citizens and celebrities.
However, the investigation has raised questions about whether the money reached its intended beneficiaries. Authorities are examining allegations that donations were used 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.
Panadda has offered conflicting explanations about the foundation’s finances, initially suggesting she had been misled and blaming her husband over the Phuket property. She also indicated that she intended to seek a divorce.
Before her arrest, she apologised publicly to supporters, saying: “There is no other word but ‘sorry’. I’m sorry for disappointing you, and sorry for making you feel so many bad things,” she said.
“I am ready to enter the judicial process.”
The controversy has also prompted a wider examination of charitable fundraising in Thailand. Prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered a nationwide review of registered foundations.
“No individual should be allowed to use these foundations to exploit people for their own benefit through deception, fraud or dishonest dealing,” the prime minister said.
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