Anutin did so as he presided over the “Hero of the Truth” event at Muang Thong Thani’s Impact Arena in Nonthaburi, attended by representatives from international organisations and the public, private and civil sectors, reports the Bangkok Post.
Among the officials at the event were Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt, National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) president Suchart Trakulkasemsuk, Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) president Amnat Phuangchomphu, and Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand (ACT) president Mana Nimitmongkol.
Anutin told the event that his government would stand firm against corruption.
“The government will not hesitate, compromise, or grant exceptions to anyone who harms the nation’s interests. We are ready to work with all sectors to build a transparent and just society,” he said.
The prime minister acknowledged that Thailand faces serious challenges in transparency, reflected in its 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) score of 34, placing it 107th worldwide.
In contrast, Denmark scored 90, the highest globally, while Singapore scored 84, ranking first in Asia-Pacific.
The prime minister stressed that Thailand must not only “fix” but also “elevate” its transparency standards to achieve genuine reform.
Improving the CPI, he said, is important not only for international credibility but also for proving that Thailand can build a transparent governance system.
To achieve these goals, he outlined four key directives, including strengthening anti-corruption systems, expanding the use of digital technology to reduce bureaucratic red tape and promote e-services, enforcing laws strictly and fairly without privilege or exemption, and cultivating a culture of honesty from schools to government agencies.
Anutin also highlighted the importance of the coordination between all parties, including the NACC, national security agencies, state agencies, and the public and civil sectors, in anti-corruption efforts.
He urged every agency to develop action plans to raise the country’s CPI score, promising the government’s continuous monitoring and evaluation.
He thanked all sectors for their cooperation and called on society to unite under the principle of “not committing, not tolerating, and not ignoring” corruption.