Prime Minister Orders Ministry of Interior to Coordinate With Relevant Agencies to Regulate Foundations Nationwide

Today (3 November 2026) at 11:15 AM at Monthathip Hall International Convention Center, Udon Thani Province, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, spoke to the press following a Cabinet meeting. When asked whether he had issued orders to regulate foundations, he confirmed that he had directed Mr. Phonphee Suwanchawee, Deputy Minister of Interior, who oversees social regulation, along with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, the Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, and the Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, to establish measures for supervising and auditing the registration and activities of foundations. This includes overseeing how they solicit donations from the public, ensuring that all foundations operate correctly and meet established standards. The goal is to guarantee that funds or other forms of assistance provided by the public are used to address the needs of those affected by various crises, in strict accordance with the original intent and objectives for which each foundation was established.

Mr. Anutin further emphasized that no individual or group should be permitted to exploit these foundations for illicit personal gain, such as through deception, fraud, or other dishonest practices targeting the public. Therefore, the Ministry of Interior, which already oversees foundations, associations, and various public-benefit organizations, will take steps to regulate, monitor, and keep a close watch to prevent fraud against well-intentioned, generous individuals who genuinely wish to help those in distress. It is unacceptable for any intermediary to exploit such goodwill for personal gain—misappropriating funds, assets, or donated goods for their own benefit. Such actions constitute criminal offenses and carry multiple legal charges. While I commend and express my gratitude to those who truly intend to help the needy, I must issue a warning: if anyone attempts to use these channels for personal gain, the government will intervene to ensure that such exploitation and inequality do not occur.

When asked at what point a foundation might face revocation or dissolution, Mr. Anutin explained that any foundation operating in a manner inconsistent with its stated objectives or engaging in behavior that amounts to deceiving the public—such as failing to use donations or contributed goods for charitable purposes—is acting illegally. Such conduct violates various laws, including those governing public fundraising, criminal statutes regarding fraud against the public, and anti-money laundering regulations. Should such activities be uncovered, the relevant authorities, including the police, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), the Department of Provincial Administration, and provincial authorities, will take strict and decisive action.

When asked whether foundations should be required to disclose their income and expenditures to the public, Mr. Anutin stated that all foundations are already obligated to submit their annual operational reports to the Department of Provincial Administration, which serves as the registrar. He noted that the Permanent Secretary for the Interior would be able to provide further details. Furthermore, the government has instructed all relevant agencies to take decisive and strict action to safeguard the interests of the public—specifically those who contribute to these foundations with benevolent intentions.

Photo : Yanawut Samphaothong