Thailand Politics
Anti-Corruption Organization Alleges High-Ranking Position-Buying
The anti-corruption activist said the reshuffle season is usually before the end of September. It’s usually when positions are promised in exchange for favors.
BANGKOK – Thailand’s Anti-Corruption Organization (Act) has alleged high-ranking position-buying occurred in some ministries. Government positions were offered for Bt10-30 million.
Secretary-General Mana Nimitmongkol of Act posted on Facebook that positions were offered for 10-30 million baht. On the condition that particular projects being approved in the future.
“Some ministries have ordered departments as well as state enterprises under their authority to submit procurement plans valued at 100 million baht and over, and report on their progress from time to time,” he wrote.
Mr Nimitmongkol told the Bangkok Post that at the ministry where positions were offered for money. C10-C11 government officials were invited to a series of one-on-one meetings at a major hotel in Bangkok.
He also alleged that an executive at a large fund under a ministry was asked to set up a new project. Money from the fund could be then used and potentially siphoned off.
The executive refused to comply and was then threatened with a transfer by a high-ranking minister. Mr Nimitmongkol would not reveal the name of the ministry to protect his sources of information.
He said decentralization and restructuring of administrative power would be a way to reduce corruption.
Moreover, the criteria for officials’ promotions should be clear and transparent and made available to the public.
The anti-corruption activist said the reshuffle season is usually before the end of September. It’s usually when positions are promised in exchange for favors.
Nimitmongkol said that many high-ranking government officials who were transferred after being accused of corruption have regained their high positions.
Source: The Bangkok Post
