Bangkok: Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilapraphan chaired the inaugural meeting of a newly formed committee tasked with investigating corruption within local government, particularly focusing on the alleged misconduct in the 2025 competitive examination for civil servant recruitment. Pakorn emphasized the importance of this initiative as a critical step in maintaining the integrity of local governance and preventing any further unethical behavior within the system.
According to Thai News Agency, Pakorn highlighted the significance of local administrative organizations as a fundamental component of a democratic system with a constitutional monarchy. He referenced Article 249, which mandates that local governments operate in accordance with the will of the people and promote decentralized power. Pakorn stressed that the current corruption allegations are not trivial and severely undermine public trust in local governance, which is unacceptable. He noted the necessity of adhering to a merit-based system, as stipulated in Article 251 of the Constitution, and described the current situation as a severe violation of these principles.
Pakorn expressed that while time is of the essence, the seriousness of the matter takes precedence. He reported that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul had instructed him to address the corruption issues strictly. The committee's role will be to identify and close systemic loopholes, working in conjunction with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and other relevant bodies to ensure both criminal and disciplinary actions are pursued. Pakorn, drawing from his experience as a former civil servant, expressed his determination to rectify the situation, viewing it as an opportunity to reform the local government system and prevent the recurrence of such unethical practices.
The Deputy Prime Minister called upon the Decentralization Committee and the Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office to take active roles in overseeing the investigation. He emphasized the need for strict enforcement of ethical standards and urged the Civil Service Commission to hold accountable those who have breached these standards. Pakorn insisted that individuals who exploit the system for personal gain should not be allowed to hold ministerial or political positions.
Pakorn outlined the committee's plan, stating that a joint working group would be established to address the corruption issues, with a 30-day timeframe set for their work. The first report will be submitted on July 15th, and a second report is expected by July 27th. The reports will aim to propose solutions and address ethics violations, with the ultimate goal of preventing political maneuvering and restoring public trust.
The committee will include representatives from various relevant agencies, such as the Civil Service Commission, the Anti-Money Laundering Office, the Council of State, and the Cabinet Secretariat. Pakorn emphasized the need for immediate action, stating that the team will commence work without delay, focusing on transparency and accountability in local governance.
Pakorn also addressed comparisons to a previous fact-finding committee led by former NACC commissioner Mr. Wichai Mahakun, noting that the current committee will similarly examine systemic loopholes and propose legislative changes. He mentioned the Bhumjaithai Party's intention to draft a bill addressing recruitment examination offenses, with the committee's findings to be reported to the Prime Minister for further action by relevant agencies.
On the matter of ethics, Pakorn stressed its critical importance and the responsibility of the Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office to collaborate with the Decentralization Committee to ensure honest governance. He highlighted the necessity of preventing corrupt individuals from entering the system and instructed the Civil Service Commission to explore actions under the ethical standards law.
When questioned about the discrepancies found in over 5,000 instances in the Department of Local Administration's examination process, Pakorn stated that the committee would rely on information from the Ministry of Interior and that the Central Committee for Local Government Employee Examinations would determine the appropriate course of action.