Bangkok: The Director-General of the National Parks is preparing to coordinate with the Committee on Corruption Prevention and Suppression to request details of the bribery survey results and order the closure of all loopholes in the process.
According to Thai News Agency, the Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation is coordinating with the Joint Committee on Commerce (JCC) to seek details of a survey conducted by the private sector. This follows the department's inclusion in a group of agencies with a high average bribery value. An investigation into all processes has been ordered to close loopholes that could lead to corruption. Any officer found guilty will face severe punishment without exception. The department's primary mission is emphasized as protecting natural resources, forests, and wildlife, rather than providing direct public services in the form of general business permits.
Mr. Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, addressed the results of a private sector opinion survey conducted by the Zero Corruption Working Group (ZCG), which ranked the department 9th out of 10 agencies perceived as having a high average bribery value per incident. The department has instructed all relevant units to immediately investigate their processes involving contact with the private sector to close loopholes and enhance transparency. The department is prepared to listen to and incorporate the information into its internal investigations. Coordination with the ZCG working group to request detailed information on the survey results is underway, specifically identifying potential risks as perceived by the private sector to formulate targeted preventative and corrective measures. The department's core mission is reiterated as the protection of natural resources, forests, and wildlife.
The Director-General confirmed that the department has no policy of accepting any bribes or illicit benefits. Should any official be found involved in corruption or accepting bribes, decisive disciplinary and criminal action will be taken to maintain public trust and uphold the integrity of civil servants who perform their duties with integrity.