Bangkok:Lawyer Ronnarong and local residents have filed a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division, urging an investigation into the financial dealings of the Kham Chanod Foundation. The petitioners allege that the foundation experienced a significant increase in donations, reaching 200 million baht within three months, and are demanding transparency by requesting access to the foundation's bank accounts to trace the flow of funds.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Ronnarong Kaewpetch, President of the Foundation for Campaigning for Justice in Society, along with Mr. Sakdamrong, also known as "Phor Jam," and representatives from the local community, have approached the Crime Suppression Division to act as an independent body to scrutinize the management of the foundation's financial assets.
The investigation follows prior complaints lodged with various governmental agencies, including the Ministry of Interior and the Department of Special Investigation. Future plans include bringing the issue to the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Concerns were raised when the village headman recalled that during the height of Kham Chanod's popularity between 2016 and 2018, revenue was publicly listed as reaching around 200 million baht over several months.
Currently, the foundation's income has reportedly decreased to about 20,000 baht per day. Discrepancies in financial reports, such as conflicting bank account figures cited by district officials and sub-district headmen, have fueled suspicions regarding the missing funds. The administration has reportedly not involved villagers or ceremonial participants in financial clarifications.
Additional issues complicate the situation, including the automatic appointment of the district chief as the foundation's president, which raises concerns over administrative impartiality. There are also allegations of unauthorized tree cutting in Kham Chanod to accommodate commercial activities, with local police reportedly hesitant to investigate despite photographic evidence. The controversy has led to threats against those campaigning for accountability, yet the group's belief in local deities has motivated them to pursue a thorough investigation. The team, led by lawyer Ronnarong, has submitted comprehensive evidence to the Crime Suppression Division in hopes of achieving transparency for the public.