A former Miss Thailand has been arrested over allegations that she misused millions of ringgit in charity donations to fund a luxury lifestyle, including the purchase of multiple properties.
Panadda “Boom” Wongphudee, 50, was detained outside her home in Bangkok’s Bueng Kum district after police moved in while she was preparing to speak to reporters gathered outside her residence.
“I’m willing to enter the legal process. I’m sorry, everyone,” she reportedly told the media.
Panadda, who was crowned Miss Thailand in 2000, later built a career as an actress, model and television presenter, becoming a familiar face in the country’s entertainment industry.
She is now facing charges of public fraud, money laundering and offences under Thailand’s Computer Crime Act.
The investigation centres on allegations that donations made to her Do Good Organisation Foundation were diverted for non-charitable purposes, including the purchase of several properties and a pool villa in Phuket.
Her husband, fitness influencer and businessman Atip Anantawan, was also wanted in connection with the case. He later surrendered to police.
The couple is additionally facing public criticism over claims that relief supplies intended for flood victims were left undistributed in a warehouse.
Reporters who visited two locations earlier this week found stocks of bottled water, soap, clothing and bedding.
The allegations have drawn particular attention because Panadda had previously shared videos and photographs of herself and her team delivering aid to flood-hit communities.
In posts on Instagram, where she has more than two million followers, she was seen wading through floodwaters and comforting residents who had lost their livelihoods.
“I came to cheer up. I visited Bang Ban area for seven years. Many people have left. Many people still have to fight,” she wrote in one caption.
Among those who have publicly criticised her is Dr Khongkwan Fujinirun, who filed a police complaint after donating around RM12,100 to the foundation, according to the South China Morning Post.
“We’re talking about a thief dressed up as a saint, someone who betrayed the faith of people across the whole country,” he said.
“The victims are all the Thai people who transferred money to donate.”
Authorities are now examining the couple’s financial transactions and assets, while searches have been conducted at four locations linked to the investigation.
