Government orders nationwide checks on foundations amid concerns over donation misuse

Thailand's government has warned that improperly organised fundraising and the misuse of donated money could lead to criminal prosecution, including charges of public fraud and money laundering, as it moves to tighten oversight of foundations nationwide.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythalay Laksameesaengjan said on Saturday (November 7, 2026) that claims circulating widely on social media about people facing millions of years in prison for receiving donations were misleading.

The online reports suggested that public fraud carried a maximum prison sentence of five years for each count and that someone receiving 1.8 million donations could therefore face 1.8 million separate charges, adding up to nine million years in prison.

Ploythalay clarified that the number of offences in a case cannot be determined solely by counting individual transactions. Courts must consider the nature of the alleged deception, the offender's intention, the dates and times involved, and the circumstances of each case.

Criminal law sets a 20-year limit on certain combined sentences

Under Section 343 of Thailand's Criminal Code, fraud committed against the public through false statements or the concealment of information that should have been disclosed carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both.

Section 91(2) also sets a maximum combined prison term of 20 years for multiple separate offences where the most serious offence carries a maximum prison sentence of more than three years but no more than 10 years.

The government therefore rejected the claim that millions of donation transactions would automatically translate into millions of separate offences and an equivalent number of years in prison.

Unauthorised fundraising and misuse of donations

Ploythalay outlined two main areas of legal liability involving fundraising through foundations or personal bank accounts without the required authorisation, particularly where donated money is used for purposes other than those stated.

Under the Fundraising Control Act 1944, Sections 6 and 17, organising certain types of public fundraising without permission from the relevant authorities is punishable by up to one month's imprisonment, a fine of up to 200 baht, or both.

Meanwhile, Sections 341 and 343 of the Criminal Code cover fraud and fraud against the public. Those who deceive donors or solicit money through false representations could face public fraud charges carrying up to five years in prison and a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both.

Government orders nationwide review of foundations

The prime minister has instructed relevant agencies to review and strengthen oversight of foundations across the country.

The authorities are to work together on measures governing foundation registration and operations, while examining how organisations solicit donations from the public.

The aim is to prevent foundations from being established as fronts for improper activities or being used to divert donated money for personal benefit.

"If any activities are found to be inconsistent with their stated objectives, amount to fraud against the public or involve money laundering, those responsible will face strict legal action," Ploythalay said.

She stressed that foundations must operate transparently, remain accountable and comply with the purposes stated in their registration documents.

The management of donations and foundation assets must also follow the law to protect the public interest and maintain the confidence of donors and the wider public.