BANGKOK: Police arrested television presenter Panadda “Bum” Wongphudee at her home in Bangkok on Friday morning (Nov 6), acting on a Criminal Court warrant in an investigation involving donations to the Ongkorn Thamdee Foundation, which she founded.
Officers from the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) arrived at her residence in an upscale housing estate on Nawamin Road, Khlong Kum subdistrict, Bueng Kum district, at approximately 6.27am.
Panadda, a well-known Thai actress, television host, social advocate and winner of Miss Thailand 2000, faces three allegations under the arrest warrant: public fraud, money laundering and offences under the Computer Crime Act.
The arrest took place as she was preparing to speak to journalists gathered outside the residential estate.
Earlier, at approximately 6.15am, her lawyer, Ekkasit “Petch” Srisung, had briefly informed reporters that Panadda was awake and ready to cooperate with the legal process.
However, before she could give an interview, ECD officers arrived in a van, presented the arrest warrant and immediately took her into custody.
Police then escorted Panadda back inside the residence to conduct a search for additional evidence connected to the investigation.
Police identify four locations for searches
The operation involves four locations in Bangkok and neighbouring Pathum Thani province believed to be connected to the investigation.
Panadda's residence on Nawamin Road was the first confirmed search location.
The other three locations identified for searches were:
An observatory known as Baan Du Dao, associated with Panadda's husband, Atip “Got” Anantawan, in Moo 7, Bueng Ka Sam subdistrict, Nong Suea district, Pathum Thani.
The Ongkorn Thamdee Foundation's premises at Rangsit Khlong 8, Lam Phak Kut subdistrict, Thanyaburi district, Pathum Thani, where a shrine is under construction.
A foundation associated with Atip, located near the couple's residence.
The searches are intended to gather further evidence as investigators continue examining the foundation-related allegations.
Central Investigation Bureau prepares to receive suspects
At approximately 7.45am, officers at the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) headquarters began arranging metal barriers outside the Phithak Santi Building in preparation for the arrival of suspects.
The barriers divided the waiting journalists into two areas, leaving a clear passage through the building's entrance.
The arrangements were made ahead of the expected transfer of Panadda and her husband, Atip, for questioning and further legal proceedings in connection with the foundation investigation.
Police also placed traffic cones around part of the car park outside the building.
The reserved area was believed to be intended for vehicles or other items that might be seized during the searches and subsequently brought to the bureau for examination.
Investigators are continuing legal proceedings against Panadda over the allegations outlined in the arrest warrant. - The Nation/ANN
