Heated! Pollution Control Chief Demands Corruption Evidence from Anti-Corruption Group Within 7 Days—Calls for Public Apology if None Provided

The Pollution Control Department chief angrily rebutted the Anti-Corruption Group's report that ranked his agency first among state agencies for bribery amounts, demanding investigation evidence within 7 days and warning of a formal public apology and responsibility acceptance if none exists. At 10:30 a.m. on May 15, 2569, Surin Vorakitdamrong, director of the Pollution Control Department (PCD), along with deputy directors Thananchai Wannasuk and Theeraphong Wimluljitranon, held a press conference regarding a transparency survey by the Zero Corruption Group released on May 14, which indicated the PCD was the state agency with the highest bribery value at 102,160 baht per instance.

The PCD director stated he had sent an open letter requesting details about the survey methodology to the chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and other key officials, questioning how the PCD was identified as having the highest average bribery amounts. He noted the survey used a Google Document format that could be shared with anyone, potentially causing errors or misidentification of agencies, and questioned the validity of the data analysis and verification process.

"I request the Anti-Corruption Group submit their findings and supporting documents within 7 days. If they have no documentary evidence of such corruption, I demand they accept responsibility for the damage caused by issuing a formal public apology to the PCD and our staff. However, if evidence of actual corruption is provided, I will take decisive action against the guilty officials," Surin stated.

Surin explained that the PCD operates on scientific principles with no authority that would facilitate bribery. He highlighted the department's public service work, including investigations into toxic substances in rivers, flood relief efforts, waste management coordination, and prosecution of private companies causing environmental damage. He questioned the logic of private businesses paying bribes exceeding 100,000 baht to avoid daily fines of 2,000 baht or maximum penalties of 60,000 baht.

Surin emphasized that the PCD has no authority to approve or issue business licenses and coordinates factory inspections with provincial industrial offices. The PCD only measures quality according to scientific standards; if violations are found, the provincial industrial office enforces the law. The PCD cannot order factories to halt operations, leaving no avenue for bribery schemes.