Ongkorn Thamdee Foundation faces complaint over flood donations

The department, under the Interior Ministry, announced the action on November 5 after receiving a request from Nang Loeng Metropolitan Police Station to examine the foundation’s fundraising activities.

According to the department, its investigation identified Facebook posts published under the foundation’s name that included messages and photographs encouraging members of the public to contribute money towards flood relief efforts.

The posts directed potential donors to a Kasikornbank account registered in the foundation’s name.

No fundraising application or permit found

Following the discovery, the department’s foundation and association registration unit examined records in the government system used to administer fundraising permits.

The search found no record of an application or fundraising permit issued to either the Ongkorn Thamdee Foundation or members of its board.

The department maintained that organisations seeking public donations of money or property must comply with statutory fundraising requirements, even when the intended purpose is disaster relief or another public benefit.

Under the Fundraising Control Act of 1944, organisations conducting fundraising activities for public benefit must obtain prior authorisation from the Fund Raising Control Committee.

The department considers the foundation’s activities to potentially breach the first paragraph of Section 6 of the legislation, with penalties prescribed under Section 17.

Complaint referred to police for investigation

Following its findings, the department submitted a formal complaint to investigators at Nang Loeng Metropolitan Police Station.

The complaint calls for criminal proceedings against the foundation and any individuals found to have been involved, in accordance with the legal process.

The matter will now be subject to police investigation, with any criminal liability to be determined through the legal process.