Bangkok: "Suchart" urgently orders 3 agencies under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to explain the high bribery issue. Mr. Suchart Chomklin, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, has urgently directed the Pollution Control Department, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and the Royal Forest Department to conduct a thorough investigation and draft a report addressing allegations of high bribery levels within their operations. These allegations have surfaced following a survey reflecting private sector concerns over bribery.
According to Thai News Agency, the directive follows findings from a survey conducted by the Joint Committee of Private Sector Organizations (JCC) through its Zero Corruption working group. The survey, which collected responses from over 400 business executives and representatives between March and April 2026, highlighted that these three departments were among the top ten government entities with significant bribery issues.
Mr. Suchart emphasized the Ministry's commitment to maintaining good governance and transparency. He assured that decisive measures would be implemented should any misconduct be confirmed within these departments. The call for an urgent investigation underscores the Ministry's proactive approach to addressing corruption and restoring trust.
The survey further identified other agencies with bribery concerns, including the Marine Department, the Excise Department, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Revenue Department, the justice system (excluding courts), the Department of Highways, and the Department of Public Works and Town Planning. These findings highlight a broader issue within various governmental departments that require immediate attention to improve transparency and accountability.