PM Orders Nationwide Foundation Crackdown on Fraud and Money Laundering

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered the Interior Ministry to conduct rigorous inspections of foundations nationwide, tightening control over registration and fundraising methods to ensure all foundations operate properly, meet standards, and genuinely channel public donations to help those in need according to their stated objectives.

The Prime Minister further stressed that no individual or group should be allowed to exploit foundations as tools for illicit gain, which could constitute deception, fraud, or cheating the public. As the government agency overseeing foundations, associations, and public benefit organizations, the Interior Ministry has been tasked with reorganizing, monitoring, and vigilantly preventing fraud against well-intentioned citizens who want to help the underprivileged. The government will not allow anyone to pose as intermediaries and misuse donations, money, assets, or contributed goods for personal benefit — acts that carry criminal liability and multiple legal violations.

Anutin stated that foundations acting with genuine intent to help those in difficulty deserve thanks and praise. However, those operating for personal gain in any form will face decisive government intervention to prevent exploitation of the public.

When asked what threshold would trigger revocation or dissolution of a foundation, the Prime Minister said any foundation conducting activities inconsistent with its founding objectives, or engaging in behavior constituting public deception — failing to direct donations or goods to public charity — is already violating the law. Violations include laws controlling fundraising, criminal fraud statutes, and anti-money laundering legislation. If such actions are found, responsible agencies including the police, the Anti-Money Laundering Office, the Department of Provincial Administration, and provincial authorities will take strict and decisive action.

Regarding whether foundations must disclose income and expenses publicly, the Prime Minister noted that all foundations must already submit annual operational reports to the Department of Provincial Administration as the registrar, with detailed information to be provided by the Interior Ministry's Permanent Secretary.

The government has ordered all relevant agencies to act decisively and rigorously to protect the interests of charitable-minded citizens. Government spokesman Ekaphap Phiaphiwet reported that the Prime Minister informed the Cabinet meeting of the inspection and oversight of foundation operations nationwide, emphasizing that the government will not allow individuals or groups to use foundation status as a tool for illicit gain or to exploit public trust and goodwill for deception or fraud. The Interior Ministry, as the supervisory agency for foundations, associations, and public benefit organizations, must urgently implement reorganization measures.