Pakorn denied that Anutin supports government lawsuits to silence citizens, saying he was merely speaking according to legal principles. He affirmed the government's commitment to eradicating corruption and announced plans to convene all units for a policy meeting on 20 May. It was revealed today that the Prime Minister signed an order to establish the Anti-Corruption Coordination Committee (ACCC), personally chairing it.
At 16:00 on 18 May 2026 GMT+7. Mr. Pakorn Nilprapunt, Deputy Prime Minister, together with representatives from the private sector (JFC), including the Zero Corruption Task Force: JFC and Friends Against Tolerance, jointly clarified issues raised by the Zero Corruption Task Force: JFC and Friends Against Tolerance regarding private sector survey results identifying corruption as a major obstacle to national progress. This was at the Government News Center, Nareesamorn Building, Government House.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the private sector survey identifying corruption as a significant obstacle to national progress is based on academic principles. The government acknowledges the importance of eradicating all forms of corruption and has clearly established this as a policy through legal reforms, particularly modernizing subordinate laws that set criteria, procedures, and conditions for approvals, permissions, and public services by implementing digital systems and minimizing discretionary powers to only what is necessary.
The government has already undertaken many reforms, including laws facilitating approvals, permissions, and public services, currently under joint committee review. The Cabinet has also approved a draft royal decree on data linkage among government agencies to support law enforcement, such as issues concerning nominees, and is reviewing laws that hinder Thailand’s accession to the OECD, with the Council of State preparing recommendations for Cabinet consideration.
Regarding media reports that the Prime Minister rejected the survey results and supported government agencies suing those who conducted and disclosed the survey, the Prime Minister instructed clarification that, since the media only asked brief questions, he responded according to legal principles that it is the right of those harmed to protect themselves and their organizations if confident they did not commit wrongdoing or corruption as alleged, defamed, or damaged. Those causing harm must be responsible for their actions. If lawsuits arise, it provides an opportunity for all parties to present information openly in court. However, he did not intend to support lawsuits or endorse silencing through legal action.
Conversely, the Prime Minister views the survey data as beneficial and believes all agencies—not just those named in the report—should use it as a basis to review operations to enhance transparency and build public trust in government. After review, actions should proceed according to procedures and facts communicated to the public. He also expressed gratitude to the JFC for their valuable suggestions. On 20 May 2026, the Prime Minister will convene a meeting with relevant agency heads to provide understanding and policy guidance on this matter.
In discussions on 15 May, the JFC proposed three recommendations:
1. Establish a task force to oversee, monitor, and drive anti-corruption efforts.
2. Use digital technology in the public sector to reduce corruption processes, enhance transparency, and enable verification.
3. Address problems and obstacles arising from outdated laws.
Mr. Pakorn further stated that today there has been Prime Minister’s Office Order No. 174/2569 appointing the Anti-Corruption Coordination Committee (ACCC), chaired by the Prime Minister. Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt and the Minister of Justice serve as vice-chairmen, with members including heads of relevant agencies and private sector representatives such as the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Thai Industries, the Thai Bankers’ Association, the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ), the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand (ACT), and the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI). This committee functions as a task force to prevent and combat corruption. He affirmed that the government and anti-corruption agencies cooperate effectively without conflicts.
