Agencies told to join graft reform - Bangkok Post

At least 12 government agencies will join an initiative to improve transparency, combat corruption and reform public administration.

Pilot agencies have six months to complete operational changes, while the others have been told they must follow within a year.

Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt launched the "1 Department, 1 Transparency, Free of Grey Areas" initiative at Government House yesterday. The pilot agencies include the Department of Lands, Revenue Department, Excise Department and Department of Internal Trade.

Mr Pakorn said corruption had impeded Thailand's progress and previous efforts had largely remained rhetoric rather than practical action. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had ordered a coordinating committee to combat corruption, he said.

The programme calls for faster public services, greater use of technology to reduce discretionary decisions and revisions to regulations that create opportunities for misconduct.

Mr Pakorn said the Revenue Department had cut the processing time for corporate tax refunds from 100 days to five, reducing businesses' interest costs. Online tax payments through the Department of Lands could also save travel costs and reduce the risk of extortion by officials.

He said success would be measured by tangible improvements to public services, rules and complaint channels.