The Tamesis
He said any official who violates regulations or engages in corrupt behavior must be subject to severe administrative or disciplinary action.
Taking advantage of falling CPI to push for urgent reforms
Anutin said the latest CPI results affected Thailand’s image and investor confidence and should serve as a catalyst for overhauling the country’s approach to preventing and fighting corruption.
He said the government had sought detailed briefings from relevant agencies and directed senior officials to prepare for immediate improvements in anti-corruption methods.
‘Legal guillotine’ reduces red tape and discretion
Deputy Prime Minister Borwornsak Uwanno said corruption remains entrenched, in part because Thailand has too many laws and regulations that burden the public and businesses and expand the touchpoints where rent seeking can occur.
He said the government would continue its “legal guillotine” approach to scrap unnecessary rules and overlapping requirements that lead to bribery and excessive discretion in licensing and approvals.
Move approvals online to reduce bribery risk
Borwornsak said moving approvals and licensing to a completely online system is key to breaking up the personal, face-to-face interactions that can lead to demands for bribes.
Anutin said the government will promote strict enforcement of laws aimed at promoting business, while reforming the approval and licensing system to restore the confidence of investors and the private sector.
Agencies are required to coordinate and enforce laws
Anutin said agencies such as the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC) and the Board of Investment (BOI) are tasked with coordinating and identifying ways to maximize transparency.
He said law enforcement agencies must act decisively to combat corruption and misuse of public funds and urgently clean up corruption within the public sector.
OECD and OGP push for higher transparency standards
Anutin added that Thailand is stepping up its efforts to join the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to improve transaction transparency standards and enhance international credibility. Borwornsak said Thailand has also applied to join the Open Government Partnership (OGP), viewing these initiatives as being willing to be scrutinized against international benchmarks.
