"According to the bill, authorities found guilty of misconduct or dereliction of duty will be subject to a double penalty," said Manas Jamveha, director-general of the Comptroller General's Department.
Legally penalising those who can issue verbal orders is difficult, so it should be the duty of lawyers and the Council of State to mete out punishment, Mr Manas said.
Normal practice holds that wrongdoers are subject to a maximum penalty in cases where more than one law stipulates punishment.
Procurement is currently governed by Prime Minister's Office announcements, with penalties based on Article 157 of the criminal law, under which state officers charged with misconduct or dereliction of duty causing damage can be fined B2,000-B20,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 10 years.
The new law is meant to replace Prime Minister's Office announcements.
The bill would govern procurement by state agencies, local administrations, state enterprises, public organisations, entities under the constitution and independent bodies.
It would not cover auditing groups, state enterprises engaged in making a profit, military weaponry, government-to-government service procurement or procedures concerning financial assistance.
Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index ranked Thailand 85th out of 175 countries and territories last year, up from 102nd in 2013.
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