State officials offered yesterday to help the ailing founder of Baan Kru Noi, a charity home for underprivileged children in Bangkok, after she publicly revealed debts of Bt8 million.
One of her money lenders, however, accused Kru Noi, or Nuannoi Timkul, of using money for her own benefit.
"She is not poor. She has bought 70 rai of land in Prachin Buri," the moneylender, who identified herself only as 'Or', alleged. She urged reporters to check on what assets Nuannoi held.
Nuannoi dismissed the allegations against her yesterday.
"I am sorry for running up debts but I have really done it all to help needy children," she lamented.
She said she had turned to loan sharks in a desperate bid to finance her charity home, which now takes care of up to 74 children.
"Because the interest is high, I have to keep seeking new loans to make repayments but that pushes me deeper into debt."
Baan Kru Noi has been in operation for three decades. Nuannoi has been widely praised for helping the less fortunate while she herself has suffered from partial paralysis, diabetes and chronic knee pain.
Nuannoi reportedly owes Bt250,000 to Or who showed up yesterday with two other moneylenders.
All angrily demanded their money back.
Or said Baan Kru Noi did not supply full board for all the children claimed to live there. Many came to Baan Khru Noi only for a free breakfast and some daily allowances, she said.
Police spokesman and Assistant National Police Commissioner Lt General Pongsapat Pongcharoen yesterday negotiated with Or and three other moneylenders, asking them to collect only the principal.
Nuannoi said she had paid Bt30,000 to Bt40,000 in interest to her creditors every day, but the principal never dropped.
"The interest should be waived," Pongsapat said.
He said he would also explore the possibility of asking for donations to clear up Nuannoi's debts.
"And I will ask Nuannoi to give a promise that she will never run up such huge debts again," Pongsapat said.
Department of Special Investigation (DSI) director-general Tharit Pengdit, meanwhile, said it may be possible to find a financial institution to take over Nuannoi's debts, after which she could pay much lower interest.
Social Development and Human Security Minister Issara Somchai said his ministry could take over the children under the care of Baan Khru Noi.
Asked whether the ministry would give financial assistance, Issara said he needed to consult with permanent secretary Wallop Ploytubtim first on legal technicalities.
