BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – February 26, 2024 – The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has issued an official notice to local and international investors regarding the practice of offering gratuities to government officials, which may constitute corruption and is punishable by law in under the latest anti-corruption regulations.
The Secretary General of the CNLA, Mr. Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, highlighted that the regulatory framework established in 2020 provides for criminal sanctions for such offenses. According to Article 128 of the regulations, any public official accepting a bribe faces up to three years’ imprisonment and a fine not exceeding 60,000 baht, or both.
In an effort to uphold ethical conduct, the NACC has informed all parties of the Code of Ethics that governs the receipt of gifts or benefits from government officials. The code aims to prevent bribes from being disguised as gratuities, a practice identified as a breeding ground for bribery and corruption, posing significant obstacles to national development and contravening legal standards.
This warning aligns with the position of Transparency International (TI), which classifies bribery as a form of corruption that must be eradicated. TI describes gratuities as promises of money or other benefits to officials or organizations in exchange for favorable treatment.
Mr Niwatchai acknowledged that the challenge of gratuities is not unique to Thailand but is also prevalent in other developing countries where such practices are traditionally used to repay favors or maintain relationships, potentially leading to corruption within the government sector.
However, the NACC clarifies that there are certain exceptions in which the receipt of gifts or benefits by public officials is permitted, provided that the ethical criteria and limits set by the NACC are respected. These exceptions include salaries, allowances, dividends and customary gifts of nominal value given on special occasions.
In cases where assets worth more than 3,000 baht are received under compelling circumstances, officials are required to report to the highest executive authority of their agency for approval within 30 days.
The NACC further explained that corrupt behaviors encompass a series of actions ranging from offering money for favorable services, facilitating school admission and avoiding legal action, to illicit financial interactions with entrepreneurs.
The Commission emphasizes that these guidelines are part of a broader strategy to fight corruption. Effective law enforcement must be complemented by a cultural shift towards increased awareness and behavioral change, distinguishing self-interest from public interest and, ultimately, fostering a culture of integrity within of Thai society.
To report any corrupt activity by government officials, NACC encourages whistleblowers to contact the NACC office at tel. 1205 or visit their website at
www.nacc.go.th.
Hashtag: #IntegrityWay #AntiCorruption #ZeroCorruption #NACC #NACF
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
