Thailand police have arrested a former beauty queen, Panadda “Boom” Wongphudee, and her husband over alleged fraud and money laundering tied to a charity. Wongphudee, 50, was arrested on Nov 6 along with Atip Anantawan, 53, after prosecutors said 527 million baht out of 815 million baht donated to the Ongkorn Thamdee charity, known as the Do Good Foundation, was allegedly diverted for the couple’s personal use. Prosecutors allege the money was used to pay credit card bills, buy luxury goods and build a pool villa in Phuket. Thailand’s charity rules require fundraising to be permitted in advance and for organisers to publicly announce totals of funds received and paid out. Observers say those regulations are outdated and enforcement is inconsistent. Investigators found the Do Good Foundation had failed to submit income and expenditure statements and annual balance sheets since it was registered in 2022. The foundation ran large campaigns through social media, including for flood relief, without any record of it applying for a permit. The wider case also sparked a wider review. Thailand’s Prime Minister’s office said on Nov 7 that authorities would inspect foundations nationwide to prevent front foundations and the use of donations for personal gain, and to push transparency, accountability and alignment with registered objectives. Wongphudee has made a public apology, and at least 10 donors filed complaints alleging misuse of funds intended for flood victims. As of the latest reports, Wongphudee and her husband have been arrested and are facing charges including public fraud and money laundering.