Bangkok:An ultimatum has been issued to the Good Deeds Organization Foundation, requiring it to submit necessary documents to the Ministry of Interior by today to avoid revocation of its operational status.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Interior Minister Polpeera Suwannachawi announced after a Cabinet meeting that if the Good Deeds Organization Foundation fails to comply, police documentation will be used to support a court-ordered revocation. The ministry is intensifying investigations into over 14,300 foundations and associations following numerous complaints.
Currently, complaints have been filed against 11 foundations and 1 association, with expectations of further investigations into additional foundations. Issues have been raised regarding some foundations, including those owned by foreigners, with complaints set to be filed in the afternoon. The Ministry of Interior, responsible for overseeing these entities, requires them to operate under established rules and regulations, submitting regular reports. However, some have failed to comply, prompting investigations into their operations.
There are reports of celebrities accepting donations into personal accounts before establishing associations, with the ministry conducting retrospective investigations dating back to 2025. The law mandates permission for fundraising activities on a case-by-case basis, and investigations have shown that not all foundations are complying with regulations. The Ministry will issue instructions on necessary procedures to those failing to comply.
General Phonphir emphasized that today is the final deadline for the Good Deeds Foundation to submit necessary documents to the Ministry of Interior. If not submitted, the Ministry plans to coordinate with law enforcement to investigate potential misuse of funds, potentially leading to a court petition to dissolve the foundation.
Concerns about money laundering and misuse of foreign donations have led to discussions about empowering the Ministry of Interior to directly investigate financial transactions. The Ministry is currently a licensing and regulatory body without investigative authority. Discussions with the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilapraphan are underway to amend relevant laws and regulations.
Drafting new regulations and bylaws is ongoing, with discussions planned to determine the extent of oversight powers or necessary legislative amendments. The Ministry aims to trace financial activities to prevent money laundering and misuse of funds, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Investigations are also focused on foundations with potential political affiliations or those suspected of supporting protests. The Ministry is examining all foundations for deficiencies or required documents, with legal action planned if explanations are unsatisfactory.
Amendments to the outdated Fundraising Control Act of 1944 are being considered to reflect the current scale of donations and improve oversight of foundations and associations, ensuring their operations align with their stated objectives and prevent misuse of funds.