A heated confrontation occurred during the Budget Committee when Mr. Chris exposed bribery issues at the Land Department, revealing that those who pay bribes in envelopes receive priority service. Committee chair Mr. Anurak cut off the discussion, instructing to present evidence instead.
On 23 July 2026 at the parliament, the atmosphere of the special budget bill committee meeting immediately intensified when Mr. Chris Potrananun, leader of the Economic Party, raised questions about bribery at the Land Department office. However, Mr. Anurak Jurimas, the second deputy chairman acting as meeting chair, frequently interrupted, stating that if evidence exists, it should be submitted to the Land Department chief or used for legal proceedings.
Mr. Chris stated that officials at the Land Department office still accept bribes, with those paying in envelopes receiving priority service. He cited a survey by the National Anti-Corruption Commission indicating the Land Department ranks 11th, with citizens paying an average bribe of 65,000 baht per transaction.
The Land Department chief responded that he felt uncomfortable being accused of corruption by his staff and requested evidence to be presented. He affirmed that the department has consistently instructed officials on this matter, and if inappropriate behavior or damage to the department’s reputation is found, clear disciplinary investigations and measures will be undertaken.
Mr. Chris pressed further, asking if the chief’s statement denying corruption means that the comment “if there is evidence, bring it forward” implies otherwise. He pointed out that many citizens arrive as early as 7:00 or 8:30 a.m. but must wait until 4:30 p.m., while some are allowed to skip the queue.
At that point, Mr. Anurak, acting as chair, interrupted, stating that if evidence exists, it should be given to the Land Department chief. He urged Mr. Chris to keep his remarks within the budget discussion framework and avoid accusations that damage the agency’s reputation.
Mr. Chris retorted that this issue directly relates to the budget because performance indicators for budget use should ensure citizens receive faster service and avoid paying unofficial fees at the Land Department.
“If you, Mr. Chair, continue to act unfairly like this, I will stop my debate. I have no problem with that. But if you prioritize the public’s interest, you would not behave this way,” Mr. Chris said.
Mr. Anurak replied that if there is evidence, legal action should be pursued. Meanwhile, Mr. Chris insisted that the evidence he referred to comes from the National Anti-Corruption Commission survey, and what the Land Department chief should answer is how to provide faster service without citizens having to pay officials.
Mr. Chris also stated that officials’ bribery might violate Criminal Code Section 148, and supervisors who neglect their duties might be liable under Section 157. He declared that if the chair does not allow further debate, he will take action himself and requested that the issue be officially noted in the meeting.
Later, when the Department of Local Administration explained its anti-corruption measures, including using technology and information systems and cooperating with the Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission and National Anti-Corruption Commission, Mr. Chris thanked them and said that if the Land Department responded similarly, the matter would be resolved.
“The first step in fighting corruption is simply to acknowledge the problem,” Mr. Chris said. Mr. Chris proposed that the Department of Local Administration set measurable goals to reduce corruption by 10% annually before ending his debate amid a tense atmosphere in the meeting room.