Former WDT Leaders Accuse President of Misusing Donations
Former Watchdog Thailand board leaders have filed a criminal complaint against the current foundation president, alleging donated funds were misused. They submitted financial records and chat logs as evidence and requested a full audit of the organization — including their own past roles — while also calling for the foundation to be dissolved. The complainants say they are prepared to face investigation themselves and want transparency for donors and animal welfare supporters.
At 4:20 p.m. on November 12, 2026, former Watchdog Thailand (WDT) board chairwoman Wannatat "Om" — a co-founder of the foundation — and former director and vice president Rattiya "Mai" lodged a formal complaint at the Central Investigation Bureau against current WDT president Phurita "Kob." They also submitted a request for an investigation into the foundation's management and financial trails following suspicions that organizational funds were used for purposes other than those intended.
Rattiya stated she intentionally came forward to press charges over the misuse of donations, while simultaneously asking authorities to scrutinize the foundation's operations and order its closure. She further requested that police investigate her own conduct along with everyone else involved to determine who committed wrongdoing. When asked if she was concerned about being investigated herself, Rattiya said she had no worries and was ready to clarify every point, urging the public to separate personal matters from foundation affairs and not view her as representing the entire organization.
The evidence submitted today includes bank transfer slips, chat messages, and other documents collected since the foundation's inception. Rattiya emphasized that everything should now proceed through the legal process and that anyone who broke the law must be held accountable. She added that as the person who exposed the issues, she wants to be the one to see the matter through to resolution, affirming her clear conscience and willingness to face all parties.
Regarding potential impact on dog and cat shelters, Rattiya said that to her knowledge, WDT was not currently providing assistance to those shelters regardless of donation levels, so closing the foundation would not affect them as many fear. On allegations of profit-sharing between board members or the president and shelters, she stated that based on the information and evidence she has seen, there is no clear proof implicating the president or directors as claimed, and the legal process should verify the facts.
Rattiya explained she only came forward now because the problems had existed for some time, but she was unaware of the details when she resigned earlier. Later, individuals sent her information and evidence, and because no one else dared to speak up, she decided to disclose the matter and pursue legal action herself, stressing that the dispute is an internal conflict involving others, not herself. She hopes this action will trigger a full investigation to create transparency for animal lovers and past donors, and demands that those responsible for wrongdoing answer through the legal system. She also noted that if any shelter has suffered damages and wishes to file a complaint, they should do so.
