Department of Provincial Administration Tightens Foundation Oversight Nationwide
Thailand's Department of Provincial Administration has ordered all foundations nationwide to submit annual operational and audited financial reports to increase transparency and protect public trust. Director-General Narucha Khosawisai warned that foundations must obtain permits before soliciting donations, and violations of the new reporting requirements or fundraising rules will result in legal action. Reports can be filed in person or through the department's online i-Service system.
On November 7, Department of Provincial Administration Director-General Narucha Khosawisai announced that the department has issued a regulation on foundation operations to protect public interest, maintain public trust in foundations, and enhance transparency and accountability. The regulation requires all foundations to prepare and submit annual operational reports to the foundation registrar, including three key documents: an annual operational report, certified financial statements including income, expenses, and balance sheets audited by a licensed auditor, and minutes of all foundation board meetings.
Narucha explained that this aims to ensure foundations operate legally and transparently, particularly in managing donations and assets, which must be used strictly for the foundation's stated objectives. This protects public interest, maintains donor confidence, and prevents foundations from being misused for improper gain. Foundations can submit reports either in person at district offices (in Bangkok) or provincial offices (elsewhere), or electronically through the i-Service system. For i-Service submissions, foundations must register as users at the Department's Information Systems Development Group or at local district offices.
Narucha further warned that foundations seeking to solicit or accept donations must first obtain a fundraising permit under the 1944 Fundraising Control Act, or face legal penalties. Foundations and related parties must comply with all laws, particularly avoiding criminal offenses and violations of the 1956 Civil and Commercial Code provisions on partnerships, limited companies, associations, and foundations. The Department emphasizes strict compliance with annual reporting duties, warning that violations may result in legal liability.
