Anutin affirms the government is serious and ready to fight all corruption, not merely paying lip service. He points out that those who dare to accuse anyone of corruption must be prepared to face counterlawsuits, following a state agency's plan to sue the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand (ACT) for ranking 10 agencies as the most bribery-prone.
At 2:30 p.m. on 16 May 2026 at the 2nd Cavalry Division, King's Guard, Sanam Pao, Bangkok, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, addressed private sector concerns about corruption. He said everyone worries about corruption, especially the government. Journalists should note that since this administration took office in October, it has consistently cracked down on corruption and rigorously enforced anti-corruption laws. This is evident in actions against illegal activities such as scammers, drugs, illegal gambling, and human trafficking.
"I can confirm that this government works closely with enforcement agencies, sharing mutual understanding and goals, supporting each other. Police, military, and officials work together as one unit."
When asked about ACT's ranking of the top 10 agencies most involved in bribery, Anutin said that index is based on surveys. Regarding the government, the crackdown is serious and based on law, not feelings or polls. For example, in Chiang Mai, regarding identity fraud, the government did not stop at dismissing just one district chief; it expanded investigations to address the entire criminal network. Influential figures causing public concern, such as in Nakhon Pathom where a village headman was removed, are being dealt with decisively. In the past, officials might have waited for intermediaries to negotiate, but now such negotiations are ineffective due to clear government policy. The government prosecutes based on behavior, regardless of names, ensuring thorough action. This approach has led to visible crackdowns on influential figures, who are often the root of corruption in places like Phuket, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Surat Thani. These individuals committed offenses by offering gifts or bribes to officials, sometimes land or kickbacks. The government rigorously applies the law, setting up committees to investigate, transferring offenders out of their areas, and prosecuting, all pointing toward positive progress.
When asked about the ACT survey results, which seem unresolved as some state agencies ranked plan to sue if evidence is lacking, Anutin said that as mentioned, the survey’s origin matters, and if the results are inaccurate, those affected have the right to take legal action.
"If we dare to say you did wrong, cheated, or acted improperly, we must be ready to face counterlawsuits. Just yesterday, reporters asked about the corruption perception index’s source—partly based on public sentiment: people are asked if corruption exists, and if yes, they check a box. This cannot be used alone as grounds for prosecution since it reflects feelings. As I said, this stigma is something we must fix—it's a burden passed down from the past. It is the fate of this government and current leadership to correct this stigma, not to reinforce or repeat it, because that would be wrong."
Anutin said the government must resolve these issues; otherwise, it would not dare to be transparent or join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which declares readiness to oppose corruption and unlawful acts. The government has done everything and does not merely pay lip service. Currently, there is intense scrutiny. If the government supports state officials in fighting corruption and illegal acts, these issues will eventually disappear.