Bangkok:Police have arrested actress and former Miss Thailand, Panadda Wongphudee, on charges of charity fraud and money laundering. The arrest occurred following a series of searches conducted across four locations in the capital and nearby provinces.
According to Thai News Agency, officers from the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) executed an arrest warrant early in the morning outside Panadda's residence. At the time, she was reportedly preparing to speak to the press. Her husband, Atip Anantawan, subsequently turned himself in at police headquarters.
Panadda, who founded the Good Deeds Organization, is facing charges of public fraud, money laundering, and uploading false information into a computer system. Meanwhile, Atip is charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering. Investigators executed search warrants at four targeted locations, including Panadda's home and the foundation's headquarters in Pathum Thani province, seizing evidence for further examination at the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB).
Police officials have indicated that the suspects are to be presented before the Criminal Court to seek their initial detention, with prosecutors expected to oppose bail. A formal press conference by CIB leadership is scheduled for Saturday morning to address the situation.