The Ministry of Commerce responded to the ACC survey by promptly investigating allegations of bribery, affirming it will take legal action if wrongdoing is found, and is upgrading its e-services to enhance transparency in line with the Zero Corruption policy.
Mr. Kronit Nonjui, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, revealed the results of a private sector survey on transparency in government service, conducted by the working group. Zero Corruption: The ACC and allies refuse to tolerate it. Regarding reports from the business sector about interactions with the Department of Intellectual Property and the Department of Business Development involving benefit payments of 40,000 baht and 36,250 baht respectively, the Ministry of Commerce stressed it places utmost importance on preventing and combating corruption in all forms. Officials at all levels are instructed to perform their duties honestly, transparently, and to avoid any involvement in soliciting benefits or misconduct.
The ministry has seriously established guidelines to prevent such issues, welcoming feedback and cooperation from all parties to develop corruption-free and auditable processes. It has also intensified internal oversight by directing all units to review workflows to close loopholes that could lead to opacity and to ensure all personnel act with honesty, accuracy, transparency, and strict adherence to ethical principles.
Mr. Kronit stated that complaint and whistleblowing channels have been opened for direct reporting. All ministry units have been instructed to strengthen oversight of staff conduct, especially those serving the public and business operators. Measures to monitor, investigate, and report complaints closely have been set to enable prompt and concrete resolution of issues.
Additionally, all ministry departments have been tasked with communicating internally to emphasize ethics and transparency among staff, alongside stricter internal audits. Any confirmed misconduct will be met with strict disciplinary and legal action without exception.
"The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Mrs. Suphajee Suthumpun, has a policy and instructs all affiliated agencies to listen to complaints and immediately investigate any leads. If violations are confirmed, decisive legal action will be taken," Mr. Kronit said.
The ministry is also reviewing all service procedures, establishing communication channels with the public through verifiable systems rather than private staff contacts. It promotes full online access to services to minimize face-to-face interactions and maximize transparency and auditability at every service stage. Service manuals and procedures are being improved to be clearer, more transparent, and verifiable so the public can clearly understand steps, timelines, and fees involved.
Mr. Kronit concluded that the ministry has opened channels for citizens and business operators to participate more in monitoring operations through satisfaction surveys after receiving services, and by submitting feedback or complaints via ministry channels. This collective effort aims to create a corruption-free service system truly responsive to public needs. The ministry affirms it will continuously raise work standards, prioritizing the interests of the public and businesses, fostering a transparent, auditable organizational culture that rejects all forms of corruption.
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