The government clarifies that the Prime Minister does not support the government filing lawsuits to silence the public regarding the corruption survey results.
The government clarified that the Prime Minister does not support the use of lawsuits to silence the public regarding the corruption survey results, but was merely speaking according to legal principles. A meeting of all relevant agencies is scheduled for May 20th to discuss policy.
On May 18, 2026, at 4:00 PM, at the Government Press Conference Center, Narisamosorn Building, Government House, Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilapraphan, along with representatives from the private sector (Joint Court of Commerce, Industry and Banking - JCCIB and their allies), from the Zero Corruption Working Group: JCCIB and their allies, jointly clarified issues regarding the findings of a private sector survey indicating that corruption is a major obstacle to national development.
The Deputy Prime Minister stated that the private sector survey indicating corruption as a major obstacle to national development is based on academic principles. The government recognizes the importance of eradicating all forms of corruption and has clearly defined this as a government policy, implemented through modernizing laws, particularly subordinate legislation governing approvals, permits, and public service delivery. This includes utilizing digital systems and limiting discretionary power to only what is necessary. Previous governments have already undertaken several such reforms, including those concerning facilitating public sector approvals, permits, and services (currently under joint committee review), and the Cabinet's approval of a draft royal decree on data linkage between government agencies for law enforcement purposes, such as in the nominee system. Furthermore, the review of laws hindering OECD membership is being prepared for submission to the Cabinet for consideration.
Regarding media reports that the Prime Minister rejected the survey results and encouraged government agencies to sue those who conducted and disclosed the results, the Prime Minister clarified that because the media posed only short questions, he responded based on legal principles. He stated that it is the right of those harmed to defend themselves and their organizations if they are confident of their innocence and believe they have not committed any wrongdoing or corruption as alleged, and if they feel they have been damaged. Those who cause harm to others must also be held accountable for their actions. He added that legal action would provide an opportunity for all parties to present information during the court proceedings. However, he did not intend to encourage litigation or support SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) lawsuits.
Conversely, the Prime Minister viewed this survey data as useful and believed that all agencies, not just those named in the study report, should use it as a basis for reviewing their operations to ensure transparency and build trust in the government. He suggested that after the review, any shortcomings should be addressed through proper processes, and the facts should be clarified to the public. He also extended his gratitude to the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) for its valuable suggestions. Furthermore, on the morning of May 20, 2569, the Prime Minister will convene a meeting of the heads of relevant agencies to discuss and provide policy guidance on this matter.
During discussions on May 15th, the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) made three proposals:
- Establish a working group to oversee, monitor, and promote the fight against corruption.
- The use of digital technology in the public sector to reduce corruption, create transparency, and ensure accountability.
- Addressing problems and obstacles arising from outdated laws.
Today, Prime Minister's Office Order No. 174/2569 was issued, appointing the Coordinating Committee for Combating Corruption (CCTC), chaired by the Prime Minister, with the Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Pakorn Nilapraphan) and the Minister of Justice as vice-chairs. The committee comprises heads of relevant agencies and representatives from the private sector, including the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Thai Industries, the Thai Bankers' Association, the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ), the Anti-Corruption Organization (Thailand) or ACT, and the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI). This working group aims to combat and prevent corruption. I would like to reaffirm that the government and anti-corruption agencies are working together effectively and are not in conflict.
refer : thaigov.go.th
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