Interior Ministry Orders Audit of Celebrity Foundations Over Fund Misuse

On November 6, 2026, at the Golden Tulip Sovereign Hotel, Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Arsit Samphanrat addressed the case where the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) filed a criminal complaint against the Foundation for Good Deeds. He explained that foundation registration is overseen by DOPA's Investigation and Legal Affairs Bureau, which screens applications before the Permanent Secretary, as registrar, approves them.

Arsit stated that the ministry had previously reminded all foundations of the legal requirement to submit annual income-expense statements and balance sheets. When foundations failed to report for extended periods, officials launched inspections — particularly targeting foundations registered by celebrities — and discovered irregularities. In some cases, donated money allegedly flowed into personal accounts without donors' knowledge.

DOPA has filed a complaint at Nang Loeng Police Station requesting investigation and prosecution. Since the foundation moved its registered address from Bangkok to Pathum Thani, Pathum Thani authorities have been tasked with the audit. If violations are confirmed, legal action will follow against committee members.

Arsit emphasized that most foundations operate for social welfare — helping disaster victims, hospitals, and underfunded schools — but when administrators breach their stated objectives, they must face legal consequences. The Foundation for Good Deeds has until November 10 to submit its accounts, regardless of the pending lawsuit.

Regarding the ministry's oversight powers, Arsit noted that annual reports allow detection of anomalies, but criminal investigation and tracing financial flows fall to police. He added that the ministry will now audit all celebrity-linked foundations: 'Those who operate correctly have nothing to fear; those who don't will face the heat.'