Key facts
- Panadda Wongphudee, 50, was detained at her Bangkok home on November 6, 2026, on a Criminal Court warrant.
- Her husband, Atip Anantawan, surrendered at Central Investigation Bureau headquarters earlier that morning.
- Police are examining an estimated 1 billion baht (US$30 million) in donations to her foundation.
- Officers searched four properties connected to the inquiry, including the foundation's premises in Thanyaburi district.
- The Anti-Money Laundering Office has assisted the inquiry, which includes scrutiny of bank accounts and assets.
Panadda Wongphudee, a former Miss Thailand and charity fundraiser, was arrested at her Bangkok home on November 6, 2026, after the Criminal Court issued warrants accusing her and her husband of public fraud and money laundering. Police are examining an estimated 1 billion baht (US$30 million) in donations to her foundation.
Her husband, fitness influencer and businessman Atip Anantawan, surrendered at Central Investigation Bureau headquarters earlier that morning. Officers searched four properties connected to the inquiry, including the couple's home, a property owned by Atip in Pathum Thani, the foundation's premises in Thanyaburi district and another site in Bangkok's Bang Khen district.
Investigators are reviewing financial documents, property holdings and transactions to establish whether charitable contributions were diverted from their intended use. The Anti-Money Laundering Office has assisted the inquiry, which includes scrutiny of bank accounts and assets associated with Panadda and people close to her.
Previous reports said authorities had examined approximately 15 to 17 bank accounts and assets worth more than 100 million baht, including homes, land, vehicles and luxury items. Investigators have not established that all were acquired with donated money.
Panadda told reporters at the headquarters, "I am willing to go through the legal process," and said, "I apologise to everyone." She did not respond when asked how the case had come about.