At a government address to mark National Anti-Corruption Day yesterday (Sept 6), the premier insisted he had never used Section 44 in a way that would “overlap” with the judicial process, despite the interim charter which grants him executive, legislative and judicial powers.
The government is not launching “a massive hunt for anybody”, said Gen Prayut, referring to the ongoing clampdown on dishonesty which is likely to lead to the transfer and investigation of 116 civil servants within the next year.
Anti-graft agencies, via the Centre for National Anti-Corruption, submitted to Gen Prayut two lists of 252 authorities who allegedly committed graft based on initial probes. Several hold high-ranking positions, including ministerial permanent secretaries, yet are being probed on the premierʼs orders under Section 44.
“My job is to [use the law to] drive forward work on executive and legislative affairs,” Gen Prayut said.
The premier applauded ongoing anti-graft efforts, which he claims are more intense than under past governments, thanks to agencies such as the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission.
“We have not only made the crackdown on corruption a national agenda item, but we make sure we follow up,” he said.
But the private sector and public need to join the fight, he said, adding public support is crucial to “strengthen the power of the fight” which cannot win based on stricter laws alone. Children need to be awakened to the dangers of corruption, he said, noting that modern media channels such as short films and photos would catch their attention.
At the end of the speech, when Gen Prayut asked if there were any questions, a Matthayom 5 student (11th grade) rushed to the front of the stage shouting.
“When we learn about citizensʼ duties at school, they give us instructions about what to do but do not explain why,” he said.
Security guards whisked the boy out of the venue and took him to Pathumwan police station for questioning. He was later released without any charges.
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