Panadda and husband face arrest warrants in 900m-baht donation probe on Nov 5
Thai police have frozen family assets worth over 100 million baht in an investigation into donations to Panadda Wongphudee’s foundation.
- Thailand's Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for actress Panadda Wongphudee and her husband, Atip Anantawan, on November 5.
- The warrants are related to an investigation into alleged irregularities concerning 900 million baht in donations to the Ongkorn Thamdee Foundation, which Panadda chairs.
- Police allege that only 20% of the donated funds reached the foundation, with over 500 million baht traced to the couple's personal bank accounts.
- As part of the investigation, authorities have already seized or frozen over 100 million baht in assets belonging to Panadda and her family.
Thailand’s Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for actress Panadda “Bum” Wongphudee and her husband, Atip “Got” Anantawan, on November 5, 2026, in an investigation into alleged donation irregularities involving the Ongkorn Thamdee Foundation. Police are examining donations reportedly totalling 900 million baht.
Panadda, a television presenter and chair of the foundation, was named alongside Atip in an application submitted by the Economic Crime Suppression Division. The court granted the application after reviewing the evidence and case documents presented by investigators.
Officers from the Economic Crime Suppression Division and Crime Suppression Division subsequently deployed teams to locate and arrest Panadda and Atip.
Police trace alleged transfers to the couple’s accounts
Economic crime investigators allege that only 20% of the 900 million baht donated for the Ongkorn Thamdee Foundation had reached the foundation.
Police examining the financial trail reportedly traced more than 300 million baht into Panadda’s personal bank account and another 200 million baht into Atip’s account.
The investigation had already led police to seize or freeze assets belonging to Panadda and people close to her, including her husband, children and parents.
Family assets reportedly frozen in the Panadda investigation were valued at more than 100 million baht. They included three or four houses, several plots of land, 22 cars, six firearms and numerous designer goods.
Panadda’s lawyer offers police access to her home
Panadda’s lawyer, Ekkasit “Petch” Srisung, told reporters by telephone that his client had returned home and that he was with her.
According to Ekkasit, Panadda had been listening to a programme and was uncertain whether an arrest warrant had been issued or what was happening. She therefore decided to return home to collect herself.
“If the police want her or intend to arrest her, they can come to the house,” Panadda’s lawyer Ekkasit said.
Ekkasit described Panadda’s home as being in a housing estate in the Ram Inthra area, close to his law office.
Police cite forensic evidence in foundation investigation
Pol Lt Gen Nattasak Chaowanasai, commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, had earlier outlined efforts to build a case against people suspected of using money withdrawn from the foundation’s accounts for purposes other than those intended.
Nattasak emphasised that police were examining forensic evidence and the circumstances surrounding financial transfers. Investigators had consulted judicial officials and prosecutors to ensure that proceedings followed legal requirements.
Before the court’s decision, Nattasak had indicated that police expected to apply for arrest warrants by Friday.
Panadda’s letter requesting assistance would not influence consideration of bail, Nattasak stressed. Decisions would be based on the law and the circumstances of the case, with all parties treated equally.
Police are separately investigating a fraud complaint Panadda filed against Atip and a construction contractor known as "Ae”.
Foundation faces separate flood-fundraising complaint
The Interior Ministry’s Department of Provincial Administration announced on November 5 that it had filed a separate police complaint over the Ongkorn Thamdee Foundation’s flood-relief fundraising.
The department reported finding Facebook appeals directing donors to a Kasikornbank account in the foundation’s name. Its examination of fundraising records found no application or permit issued to the foundation or its board.
According to the Department of Provincial Administration, public-benefit fundraising requires prior authorisation under the Fundraising Control Act of 1944. The department considered the appeal a potential breach of the first paragraph of Section 6, with penalties prescribed under Section 17.
The department referred its complaint to Nang Loeng
Metropolitan Police Station for investigation into the foundation and any individuals involved. That complaint concerns fundraising authorisation, distinct from the investigation into the alleged misuse of donations.
