Bangkok: The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has reiterated its commitment to operating with transparency and accountability. Mr. Surin Worakitthamrong, Director-General of the PCD, responded to a recent survey conducted by the Zero Corruption Working Group, under the Joint Committee on Commerce and Industry (JCCI) and its allies, which implicated the department in corruption.
According to Thai News Agency, the survey indicated that the PCD was identified as the agency receiving the highest amount of bribes, reportedly at 102,160 baht per instance. Mr. Worakitthamrong has since sent an open letter requesting clarification on these findings from the conducting agency. He expressed concerns over the survey's methodology, noting that it used a Google Document format which allowed for potential inaccuracies or misidentification of agencies. He questioned the reliability and verification process of the data analysis.
Mr. Surin has urged the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) to provide the results and relevant documents within a week. He emphasized that if the JSCCIB lacks concrete information or evidence of the alleged corruption, they should issue a formal apology for any reputational damage. Conversely, should evidence of actual corruption surface, Mr. Surin promised decisive action against the involved officials.
Furthermore, Mr. Surin clarified that the PCD does not have the authority to approve or issue licenses for business operations to the private sector. The department collaborates with provincial industrial offices for factory inspections and conducts scientific quality checks. If violations are found, the provincial industrial office is responsible for legal enforcement. He stressed that the PCD has no capacity to order factory operations to cease or suspend, eliminating opportunities for illicit gain or bribery. Mr. Surin reaffirmed that the department's operations remain transparent and verifiable.