Pakorn Defends PM Over Anti-Corruption Survey, Denies Suppression Claims as Government Establishes Coordination Committee

On May 18, 2569 at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilepreun, alongside private sector representatives and the Zero Corruption working group, issued a statement clarifying the disclosure of a private sector survey on corruption risks in state agencies. They emphasized the survey was conducted using academically recognized methodology aligned with OECD and World Bank standards. The government confirmed its ongoing commitment to combating corruption through comprehensive legal reforms, including modernizing outdated laws, reducing bureaucratic discretion, and digitizing administrative processes.

When asked about reports that the Prime Minister rejected the survey findings and encouraged state agencies to sue the researchers, Pakorn clarified that the PM's initial comments were brief legal observations—that any party claiming damage has the right to pursue court action. He denied accusations of suppressing criticism, stating this was standard tort law principle rather than a directive to prosecute. Pakorn asserted the survey data would serve as a foundation for government agencies to review their operations for transparency and public confidence, and that agencies without issues should proceed normally while communicating with the public.

The government established the Anti-Corruption Coordination Committee via Prime Minister's Order No. 174/2569, with the PM as chairman and Pakorn as co-vice chairman alongside the Justice Minister. The committee includes relevant agency heads, representatives from the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Thai Industries, Thai Bankers Association, and Thailand Institute of Development Administration to advance anti-corruption efforts.