Natural Resources Ministry Permanent Secretary Accelerates System and Personnel Review, Urges Anti-Corruption Committee to Pinpoint Vulnerabilities and Close Loopholes
Thailand's Natural Resources Ministry is accelerating an anti-corruption review after a private sector committee identified vulnerabilities across 10 agencies, with the permanent secretary calling for specific data on problematic units rath
On May 20, 2025, Raveevan Phuridet, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), discussed a meeting held the previous day where a three-institution private sector anti-corruption committee presented findings from a survey of 10 agencies allegedly involved in bribery. Raveevan emphasized that the ministry takes corruption seriously and has been conducting meetings with executives, deputy secretaries, inspectors-general, and all department directors. She stressed that the government has consistently prioritized anti-corruption efforts through civil service reforms, establishment of independent organizations, enhanced transparency, and streamlined approval processes.
When asked about the Pollution Control Department's case, Raveevan noted that the ministry had invited the anti-corruption committee to participate in the May 19 meeting, though the committee did not send a representative. She compared the ministry to a factory with multiple departments and said that without specific details about which parts need fixing—whether the central policy unit, the Pollution Control Department, waste management, or wastewater divisions—it would take much longer to address problems. She emphasized the ministry wants concrete data and financial figures precise to individual units, not information intended to assign blame.
Raveevan stated there is no set timeline for the review, as yesterday's meeting marked the beginning. The ministry operates anti-corruption centers and will establish a joint working committee with the anti-corruption committee. She also noted that survey responses covered 26 agencies and emphasized the importance of understanding the specific functions of each unit before making assessments. The Secretary-General's office will serve as the central hub for complaints, coordinating with other complaint channels and ensuring fair treatment of officials during investigations. Raveevan concluded by affirming that external input, including from social media, is valuable and receives serious consideration.
