Bangkok: The Prime Minister has announced that individuals who expose bribery allegations must be prepared for potential counter-lawsuits. The Prime Minister emphasized the government's robust approach to combating corruption, stating that those who bring instances of bribery to light will face legal consequences. He also addressed the necessity of dealing with the repercussions of previous misconducts.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul addressed the concerns of the private sector regarding corruption. He underscored that corruption is a significant concern for everyone, particularly the government. He highlighted that since his administration took office in October, there has been a continuous effort to crack down on corruption, with stringent enforcement of anti-corruption laws. This has been evident in the efforts to curb illegal activities such as scams, drug trafficking, gambling dens, and human trafficking.
Mr. Anutin stated, "I can confirm that this government is working with the law enforcement sector with understanding and a shared goal, maintaining a supportive relationship. The police, military, and other officials are working together as one." He also responded to inquiries about the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) survey, which listed the 10 agencies with the highest levels of bribery. He noted that the survey was based on perceptions and emphasized that the government is seriously tackling corruption through legal channels, not based on feelings or surveys.
In specific cases like the fraudulent claims in Chiang Mai, the government did not merely dismiss a single district chief but expanded the investigation to address the coordinated operation, taking action against all involved. Mr. Anutin also mentioned the dismissal of a village headman in Nakhon Pathom as an example of the government's commitment to action over names. He highlighted the government's focus on prosecuting influential figures who are the root cause of corruption, particularly in provinces such as Phuket, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Surat Thani. These individuals have historically committed offenses through bribery, but the government is determined to prosecute all involved.
Mr. Anutin further explained that if the findings of the JSCCIB survey do not align with actual investigations, the ranked government agencies have the right to sue the private company responsible for the survey. He stressed that allegations of corruption must be supported by evidence, not just perceptions or feelings.
The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of addressing corruption, asserting that the government is committed to eradicating illegal activities and corruption. He affirmed the government's solidarity with the OECD and its readiness to combat these issues, emphasizing that rigorous checks and balances are in place to support officials in their efforts to eliminate corruption.