Interior Ministry Secretary-General Calls for Overhaul of Foundations Misusing Fundraising Emphasizes Good Deeds Foundation Must Submit Financial Reports by 10 Nov - Thairath English
The Interior Ministry Secretary-General declared that it is time to reform foundations whose fundraising activities fail to meet their objectives. He emphasized that the "Good Deeds Foundation" must still submit its income and expenditure reports by 10 November 2026. The police have been assigned to investigate and prosecute following a complaint filed by the Department of Provincial Administration.
At 09:45 on 6 November 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Arsith Sampantharat, Secretary-General of the Interior Ministry, gave an interview at the Golden Tulip Sofferin Hotel regarding the Department of Provincial Administration's complaint against the Good Deeds Foundation, stating that foundation registration is overseen by the Investigation and Legal Affairs Office of the Department of Provincial Administration, which reviews and processes applications. The Secretary-General of the Interior Ministry serves as the registrar for foundations, while associations are registered under the Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration. At the provincial level, the governor acts as the registrar.
The Interior Ministry Secretary-General further said, "Before these issues arose, we had already instructed that foundations must submit annual income and expenditure statements along with balance sheets every year. When these reports are not submitted for a long time, problems accumulate like a snowball effect. Upon investigation after issues surfaced, problems were found, prompting us to order officials to conduct inspections. "Especially for foundations founded by celebrities, there have been cases where donations were deposited into personal accounts, which donors are unaware of. When problems arise, they become exposed. Currently, the Department of Provincial Administration has filed a complaint at Nang Loeng Police Station alleging unlawful fundraising. We want thorough investigations and prosecutions. The Good Deeds Foundation has relocated from Bangkok to Pathum Thani, so Pathum Thani authorities have been assigned to inspect it. If irregularities are found, legal action must be taken against the board members."
Mr. Arsith further revealed, "Most foundations work in social welfare. The Good Deeds Foundation aims to use funds to assist disaster victims, hospitals, and underprivileged schools. These are the charitable objectives of all foundations. But if the management fails to uphold these purposes, legal action must be taken against those who do not comply with the intended objectives."
Asked about the deadline of 10 November 2026 for the Good Deeds Foundation to submit financial reports despite ongoing litigation, Mr. Arsith said, "A foundation is not run by one person but by many, who share responsibility and must submit reports by the deadline. As for individual allegations, that depends on the investigation process regarding claims that foundation funds were used personally."
When asked whether the Ministry of Interior has authority to conduct further investigations, Mr. Arsith replied, "We have filed complaints after uncovering problems. The Ministry of Interior’s role is to receive annual reports; through these, we can detect changes and irregularities. However, criminal investigations and prosecutions are the police’s responsibility, including tracing financial flows. Now, it is time to reform all celebrity-founded foundations. Those who comply need not worry; those who don’t will face consequences." ."
