Parliament unites with anti-corruption organizations to advance Thailand toward OECD international standards, setting a 2028 milestone and promoting a “People and Law” strategy as a pilot to eradicate corruption.
On 11 Sep 2026 GMT+7, at Parliament, the House Committee on Anti-Corruption joined forces with the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand to hold a seminar on enhancing Thailand’s transparency and governance according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) standards. Mr. Sophon Charum, Speaker of the House of Representatives, presided over the seminar’s opening. Attendees included the Ambassadors of Turkey and Hungary to Thailand, diplomatic representatives, presidents of foreign chambers of commerce in Thailand, committee members, executives from the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand, government officials, private sector representatives, civil society members, academics, and experts.
Mr. Sophon Charum, Speaker of the House of Representatives, opened the seminar titled “Enhancing Thailand’s Transparency and Governance to OECD Standards,” stating that this event is a key legislative mission to declare a firm stance against corruption and to jointly propel Thailand toward future OECD membership. He emphasized the necessity to upgrade anti-corruption measures and establish transparency and governance recognized internationally.
The Speaker said that upon taking office, he consulted with the Secretary-General and parliamentary management and announced a policy to make Parliament a pilot agency for governance. Although the national apparatus is large, Parliament has about 3,000 personnel and holds legislative power, including setting rules to prevent and resolve corruption issues.
“Anti-corruption efforts must be practical, not just rhetorical. Each agency should start with achievable actions and then expand to elevate the entire system. For example, internal management at Parliament, especially the recruitment examination process, must emphasize both knowledge and practical job skills,” Mr. Sophon said.
The Speaker explained that governance must progress on two fronts: governance involving people and governance involving laws and budgets. Even with good laws, if people lack development and a sense of responsibility, they might circumvent rules and commit violations. Likewise, quality personnel cannot build a complete system if laws and regulations are outdated. The legislature’s role is to update laws and regulations to align with international standards while developing people’s knowledge, responsibility, and awareness to truly achieve good governance.
Mr. Sophon then witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the House Committee on Anti-Corruption and the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand to establish a concrete cooperation framework for corruption prevention and suppression.
Mr. Asaphol, Chair of the Committee, delivered a keynote speech on “The Legislative Role in Driving Thailand’s OECD Membership,” stating the event aims to show all sectors the legislature’s commitment to pushing Thailand toward OECD membership by 2028. He affirmed that the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) Committee is ready to support civil society and the public in continuously fighting all forms of corruption.
“This cooperation signing marks the beginning of close and concrete collaboration between the legislature and the Anti-Corruption Organization to advance anti-corruption efforts. We pledge to continuously drive this mission forward,” said Mr. Asaphol.
Mr. Wichian Phongsathorn, Vice-Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand, spoke about the private sector’s role in driving Thailand toward OECD membership. He said OECD membership is important because member countries emphasize standards of transparency, governance, and social responsibility, which build international confidence and directly impact Thai citizens’ well-being.
Mr. Wichian added that the Anti-Corruption Organization has worked for over 15 years, linking cooperation across all sectors—government, private, public, and academia—and developing tools to encourage participation in monitoring public budget and procurement. He emphasized that signing the MOA is not yet a success but a strong starting point; from now on, all parties must work together to produce results, solve corruption problems, and elevate Thailand’s governance system effectively.