Chuan emphasized that under the Constitution, the authority and duties of "independent organizations" serve as important mechanisms to check and balance the power of the three main branches of government. He revealed that in recent times, these organizations have been infiltrated and taken over by political business interests, warning that members must be honest, fair, and uphold good governance principles.
At 10:00 a.m. on 12 Sep 2026 GMT+7 at the Parliament, the House of Representatives’ Committee on Courts, Independent Organizations, the Attorney General’s Office, State Enterprises, Public Organizations, and Funds held a seminar titled “Monitoring the Role of Independent Organizations Amid Thailand’s Political Crisis.” The morning session featured special speakers including: Mr. Chuan Leekpai, party-list MP of the Democrat Party and former Prime Minister, , Mr. Phokin Polkul, former President of Parliament, and Mr. Somkiat Tangkitvanich, President of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).
Mr. Chuan said in his speech that originally, the governance structure was based on three main powers: legislative, executive, and judiciary. This system has existed since 1932 (B.E. 2475) and continues today under a constitutional monarchy. These three powers have been the foundation of governance, though there have been ups and downs, not due to poor structure but due to political upheavals caused by various groups seizing power multiple times.
During his second term as prime minister, he first implemented the 1997 Constitution (B.E. 2540), applying a parliamentary system under the constitutional monarchy with the same three main powers. However, independent organizations emerged under the constitution, such as the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the Election Commission (EC), and about five to six other bodies. Their goal was to serve as oversight agencies promoting efficient democracy, able to scrutinize all government administration, including ensuring honest elections, replacing the Ministry of Interior’s former role in election management, and combating corruption through agencies like the NACC overseeing politicians and officials.
Mr. Chuan continued that all these organizations have provisions requiring personnel to be evidently honest. This principle emerged, except for the Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which did not include such a clause. At that time, the government had to promptly enact all related laws within a set timeframe. That administration acted as a strong legislative branch, with all relevant laws for independent organizations enacted in 1998-1999 (B.E. 2541-2542).
In the early days of independent organizations, such as the first EC, they punished those who violated election laws for MPs and senators without question or dispute. However, subsequent EC bodies faced criticism. Three members of the second EC were imprisoned for dereliction of duty under Section 157, and later some EC bodies were accused of accepting money or benefits to change election result notifications, with prices attached to such favors.
The rise of independent organizations impacted democratic politics by intensifying oversight to enhance governance effectiveness. Among the three sovereign powers, only the judiciary remained stable despite coups, as no one could interfere with judicial work. Thus, regardless of political changes, the judiciary maintains strong capacity and commendable roles.
“With the emergence of independent organizations, some decision-making powers shifted. Certain decisions conclude at these organizations, except cases referred to the Constitutional Court. Investigations start with independent organizations. After I left office, new governments began interfering, with the executive encroaching on judicial sovereignty by 'cutting off' cases—meaning the executive decided cases instead of the judiciary, such as sending police to eliminate insurgents in the South,” he said.
Although independent organizations conduct strict oversight, political interference has worsened. Currently, they face challenges such as opposition to the 2027 budget, including objections to funding the EC, which needs to hire thousands more staff, increasing the state’s tax burden. Thus, these organizations become a burden if they do not perform their roles to strengthen democratic systems effectively, leading to their failure.
Political interference today is alarmingly severe, with many cases arising. He questioned whether history would repeat itself. Due to political debts owed by these organizations, they hesitate and struggle because refusal to comply invites pressure. Interference is not limited to independent organizations; political factions have placed their people in every organization, effectively seizing control. Civil servant appointments are also made arbitrarily to prevent Parliament from functioning as a presidential system, ensuring prolonged influence.”
Mr. Chuan further revealed that overall, democracy with independent organizations has progressed positively, with stronger oversight easing courts’ burdens. However, when political business interests intervene, viewing politics as a commercial investment by buying MPs and votes for profit, they influence all matters for their gain.
If independent organizations cannot truly provide oversight despite receiving over 20 billion baht annually and performing their duties, do they genuinely support democratic governance? To protect this system, governance must be genuinely effective, with leaders exhibiting evident honesty. Thus, independent organizations’ success depends on adhering to evident honesty and good governance principles, acting with integrity and fairness without fear or favor. He cited the EC’s unfortunate downfall due to excessive deference, stating Thai society needs a degree of boldness for the country’s sake. Independent organizations must repay their debts differently, not by exchanging national interests for favors.
“Even if you attained your position thanks to others’ support, now that you hold office, you must fulfill your duties as the law prescribes, performing them straightforwardly. I believe independent organizations can truly benefit governance,” he concluded.