Prachachon Party Probed for Illegal Disaster Donation Accounts
Thailand's Election Commission is investigating the Prachachon Party for allegedly soliciting disaster relief donations through personal bank accounts instead of official party accounts, violating the Political Parties Act and anti-money laundering laws. The party failed to disclose donation totals or notify authorities, and test transfers confirmed the accounts were active. Legal experts warn the violations could result in criminal charges for fraud and money laundering, and potentially lead to the party's dissolution.
The Prachachon Party faces legal scrutiny after it allegedly opened personal bank accounts to receive disaster relief donations without reporting to the Election Commission, exposing it to violations of the Political Parties Act, anti-money laundering laws, and potential criminal charges for fraud and money laundering that could result in party dissolution.
On November 11, 2026, media reported that following calls to investigate various foundations registered under well-known public figures for social aid, revelations emerged that some foundation chairs and directors had misused donated funds for personal use and failed to notify authorities about donation purposes or amounts, with some arrests already made — such as Panadda Wongphudee, chair of a charitable foundation. In response, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered the Ministry of Interior to urgently audit donation spending by foundations and associations nationwide.
Recently, the Facebook page "Dom Som Universe v.9" shared posts and graphics from the Prachachon Party's official Facebook page soliciting donations for disaster victims, listing bank account numbers held in personal names. Legal experts say a political party accepting donations through personal or nominee accounts instead of its official party account raises serious legal risks under the Political Parties Act and anti-money laundering legislation.
Section 72 of the Organic Act on Political Parties prohibits parties and party officials from accepting money, assets, or benefits knowing or having reason to suspect they originate illegally. Since a party is a registered legal entity, all donations and financial activities must go through its official bank accounts so the Election Commission (EC) can audit them.
The EC reported that the Prachachon Party's Facebook appeals for disaster relief did not disclose the total amounts received, nor did they notify relevant agencies about the fundraising. Test transfers to three accounts listed by the party confirmed the accounts were active and accepting funds.
EC sources stated the party risks violating Section 72 of the Organic Act on Political Parties, the 1944 Anti-Money Laundering Act, and the Criminal Code on public fraud and conspiracy to launder money — offenses that could lead to party dissolution.
Meanwhile, the Royal Gazette published the EC's 2026 Political Party Regulations (Vol. 143, Section 69 Kor, dated November 2, 2026), updating party guidelines to align with the 2017 Organic Act and its amendments. The new rules take effect 30 days after publication and replace the 2020 regulations and their two subsequent amendments (2022 and 2023).
