The President of the Thai Chamber of Commerce called for fair competition, legal reforms, and the adoption of technology to close corruption loopholes. He announced plans to hold a meeting of the Joint Public-Private Sector Anti-Corruption Committee (กกร.) with private sector partners to jointly stop bribery and fight corruption.
On 6 Sep 2026, the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand (ACT) hosted the annual “Anti-Corruption Day 6 Sep” event under the theme “Corruption Can Be Fixed.” Speakers from government, private sector, media, and civil society shared experiences to inspire Thai citizens to fight corruption. All parties agreed that corruption can be solved but systemic reforms and collaborative efforts are essential. The กกร. invited 2,000 private organizations to pledge to stop paying bribes, while ACT called on the Prime Minister to be a strong, decisive national leader in combating corruption.
Mr. Phot Aramwattanon, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, delivered a keynote titled “Business: Choose Corruption or Choose Reform” at the 6 Sep Anti-Corruption Day event at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce. He said the business sector chooses reform but this must start at the root: legal amendments, technology to limit discretion, and closing corruption loopholes. Businesses want not only more transparency but a system ensuring fair competition and reducing unnecessary costs. He stressed the need for systematic cooperation since corruption permeates all societal sectors, making bribery an easy, universal solution. If the private sector collectively refuses to pay bribes, corruption would significantly decline. On 1 Oct this year, a meeting between the กกร. and 2,000 private organizations will be held at the “Dinner Talk: Zero Corruption from Policy to Action” event, aiming to secure private sector commitment to stop bribery.
"Next year’s efforts will seek to engage the public and civil society, not just the private sector," he said. The Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce added.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said corruption can definitely be solved, but the key is everyone’s participation. The problem is public distrust in the system, so technology must help restore faith and hope. Before fixing the problem, one must understand the corruption ecosystem, which often centers on agency budgets and involves senior officials at all levels. Root causes include appointments, transfers, buying and selling positions, and vote-buying that bring unsuitable people into the system. The Bangkok administration focuses on efficient bureaucracy and system improvements using technology such as the Traffy Fondue app, which includes the "Transparent Bangkok" feature for anonymously reporting corruption. Over 16,000 reports have been filed, prompting officials to be more cautious. Bangkok has also publicly released over 1,500 datasets, with more than 4 million views, enhancing transparency and enabling easier public oversight. "We must not be lenient or tolerate corruption. Penalties must not be reduced," Chadchart said.
At the event’s conclusion, Mr. Mana Nimitmongkol, Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand, said all panelists agreed that “corruption can be fixed.” Solutions start with everyone’s conscience, system improvements, closing loopholes, using technology, and building cooperation with independent organizations and citizens. Everyone has a critical role in courageously reporting and refusing to ignore irregularities, as demonstrated by Ms. Chotima Chankong, a Nation TV reporter, and Ms. Patsanee Poolsuk, a citizen who shared their experiences and confirmed that even ordinary people can drive change through networks and technology.
"Today’s forum showed citizens fighting corruption and Governor Chadchart leading local anti-corruption efforts. I am confident that all Thais want the Prime Minister, as head of government, to show strong and decisive leadership against national corruption," the Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand said.