PM Vows Firm Anti-Corruption Stance, Warns Those Exposing Bribery Must Be Ready for Countersuit

Prime Minister Anuthine Charnvirakul emphasized the government's firm and uncompromising stance on anti-corruption, declaring it is not merely lip service. Since taking office in October, the administration has consistently prosecuted corruption cases and applied anti-corruption laws rigorously, addressing scams, drug trafficking, illegal gambling, and human trafficking. The PM stressed that the government works seamlessly with enforcement agencies—police, military, and officials—united in purpose to combat illegal activities. Regarding a private sector committee's list of ten government agencies most susceptible to bribery, Anuthine clarified that such indices come from surveys rather than legal proceedings. The government's approach focuses on concrete law enforcement; for example, the land rights case in Chiang Mai expanded beyond dismissing a single district officer to prosecuting an entire corrupt network involving influential figures. Similarly, in Nakhon Pathom, a village headman was removed from office. The PM emphasized the government uses behavior-based prosecution rather than position-based enforcement, targeting anyone with illegal conduct regardless of rank. Corruption sources in Phuket, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Surat Thani have been prosecuted after officials were found accepting bribes, land transfers, and salary kickbacks. When asked about potential countersuits from agencies ranked in the survey, Anuthine responded that if accusations are made, defendants have the right to sue back, which he considers fair. He acknowledged that corruption perception indices partly stem from feeling-based surveys, not prosecutable evidence. The PM framed anti-corruption as the government's karmic responsibility to cleanse past sins without compounding them. He stressed the government is serious and not making empty promises, citing strict inspections and support for officials combating corruption and illegal acts, with the goal of complete elimination.