Panadda was taken into custody at her Bangkok residence on the morning of Nov. 6. Her husband, Atip Anantawan, 53, had previously surrendered to authorities in connection with the case.

Crowned Miss Thailand in 2000, Panadda is a well-known public figure who has earned widespread recognition for her charitable activities.

Her Good Deeds Foundation, supported by donations of money and essential goods, has assisted flood victims, operated community kitchens, supplied medical equipment and provided support for vulnerable women and children, according to Thai newspaper The Nation.

Photographs of Panadda visiting disaster-hit communities and distributing relief supplies frequently appeared in the media, helping her gain public trust and attract donations from ordinary citizens and fellow entertainers, the South China Morning Post reported.

Investigators, however, allege that millions of dollars intended for charitable causes were transferred into the couple’s personal bank accounts and used to acquire several properties, including a pool villa in Phuket.

Police are also investigating whether the couple violated Thailand’s Computer Crime Act by soliciting donations online through allegedly false or misleading claims.

The scandal has fueled public outrage following reports that essential supplies donated for flood victims, including bottled water, soap and clothing, were left in a warehouse instead of being delivered to those in need.

Panadda has provided conflicting explanations about the handling of her foundation’s finances.

She initially claimed she had been misled, held her husband responsible for the construction of the Phuket villa and announced plans to divorce him.

Before being arrested, she appeared on television and issued public apologies to those who had supported her charity work.

“There is no other word but ‘sorry’. I’m sorry for disappointing you, and sorry for making you feel so many bad things. I am ready to enter the judicial process,” she said.

She also voiced concern about the future of her two young children amid the controversy.

The allegations have sparked broader scrutiny of Thailand’s “celebrity merit” culture, in which famous personalities establish charitable organizations that attract public admiration and substantial financial contributions.

Thai authorities are continuing to investigate the accusations against Panadda and other individuals allegedly involved in the case.