Accused charity-fraud couple survive first night in remand prison

Former beauty queen Panadda Wongphudee and husband Atip Anantawan had adjusted well during  their first night behind bars after being charged with public fraud in the misuse of the huge donations fund run by her Goodness Foundation, according to the Corrections Department.

Ms Panadda, 50, was detained at the Central Women’s Correctional Institution in Bangkok and Atip, 53, was sent to the Bangkok Remand Prison after they appeared in the Criminal Court and were remanded in custody.

According to the department, Ms Panadda arrived at the correctional institution at 5pm on Saturday for her first 12-day detention period. Medical and social workers deemed she was healthy, had no underlying illnesses and was mentally stable, other than being worried about her children and mother.

She was able to eat and sleep, and did not develop any tension. Out of habit, she did not eat breakfast.

Mr Atip told correctional officials at the Bangkok Remand Prison that he had gout and kidney disease and had received relevant treatment at Sukumvit Hospital in Bangkok for three years. He was quoted as saying he neither smoked nor abused drugs, but sometimes drank alcohol.

The couple were arrested on Friday and currently undergoing the five-day quarantine period at the prisons. Only Mr Atip sought release on bail but it was denied because of the seriousness of the alleged crime.

Ms Panadda, who was Miss Thailand in 2000, and her husband were charged with public fraud, money-laundering and computer crime in their campaigning for donations to her Goodness Foundation. More than 800 million baht was reportedly raised. Police investigators allege  most of the money was abused for personal benefit, not flood and disaster relief as touted.

Bail denied: Athip 'Got' Anantawan is escorted from the court after his application for temporary release  was rejected on Saturday. (photo supplied)