Ex-PM Warns Independent Bodies Face Political Interference
Former PM Chuan Leekpai warned that Thailand's independent bodies, created to strengthen democracy, face increasing political interference that compromises their effectiveness. He cited funding disputes and personnel changes as evidence tha
A parliamentary committee seminar titled "Monitoring the Role of Independent Bodies in Thailand's Political Crisis" was held at the National Assembly on September 12, 2025, at 10 a.m. Special speakers included former Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai, former Parliament President Phokin Polkul, and Somkiat Tangjipanij, chairman of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).
Chuan explained that Thailand's governance structure has been built on three main powers—legislative, executive, and judicial—since 1932, forming the foundation of Thailand's constitutional monarchy system. However, he noted that numerous political upheavals have occurred not because of structural flaws but due to individual actions and power seizures.
When Chuan served as Prime Minister for the second time under the 1997 Constitution, independent bodies were created for the first time, including the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), Election Commission (EC), and approximately 5-6 other organizations. These were designed to strengthen democracy, oversee government operations, and ensure fair elections.
Chuan emphasized that all independent organizations should require personnel to demonstrate honesty and integrity, though the Human Rights Commission notably lacked this requirement. He recalled that initial EC members performed their duties faithfully without suspicion, but later commissions faced accusations ranging from bribery to altering traffic violation records.
Chuan warned that when new governments took office, political interference in independent bodies intensified. Despite the institutions' oversight mechanisms, political pressure has compromised their effectiveness. He cited the 2025 budget deliberations as a current example, where opposition prevented adequate funding for the Election Commission due to its need for additional staff, shifting the burden onto taxpayers. Chuan concluded that independent bodies should not be allowed to become a burden on the nation if they fail to serve the public interest.
