News Anchor Testifies at ECD Over Foundation Fund Misuse
Veteran news anchor Phutthaphichit Apiphon testified at the Economic Crime Suppression Division after donating 800,000 baht to the "Tham Dee" foundation run by social media figure "Bum Panadda." He expressed suspicion over the foundation's financial flows, particularly allegations that donations funded a spirit shrine worth over 10 million baht. Phutthaphichit hopes the investigation will push all charitable foundations toward greater financial transparency.
Famous news anchor Phutthaphichit Apiphon appeared at the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) on November 3 to give witness testimony after donating approximately 800,000 baht to the "Tham Dee" foundation run by Panadda Wongphudi, known as "Bum Panadda." He emphasized he was appearing as a witness, not as a complainant or victim.
Phutthaphichit revealed he had donated to the foundation about five times starting in 2025, with contributions of 100,000 and 200,000 baht each time, totaling roughly 800,000 baht. His purpose was to assist with causes Panadda had publicized through various media, such as flood relief and aid for border areas.
Regarding the foundation's financial trail, Phutthaphichit said that as a donor, he frankly found the outgoing money flows strange and abnormal. Seeing news reports only deepened his suspicions, though he acknowledged he could not personally verify exactly how the funds were spent.
He added that if this case encourages other foundations to disclose their donation income and expenses transparently, it would be the best outcome, allowing the public to decide whether to continue supporting them. He hopes this incident becomes a starting point for all foundations to dare reveal their financial records.
On Panadda's statement about using personal funds to reimburse the foundation, Phutthaphichit viewed it as a legal matter requiring due process; if civil or criminal liability is proven, compensation must follow accordingly. He stressed his appearance today was solely to fulfill his duty as a witness and support social transparency, with no hidden agenda. Regarding the allegation that donated funds were used to build a spirit shrine valued at over 10 million baht, he firmly stated this was unacceptable.
