Bangkok: The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has announced the formation of a new committee tasked with examining and revising the Integrity and Transparency Assessment (ITA) criteria for government agencies. This initiative aims to bolster ethical standards, enhance transparency, and foster public trust. The committee acknowledges the existing limitations in the Office of the Auditor General's assessment criteria, highlighted by a recent building collapse, and plans to reassess consistently high-scoring agencies.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Wicha Mahakun, Chairman of the Committee to Examine the Results of the ITA in Government Agencies, unveiled plans to overhaul the ITA assessment process. The NACC has evaluated approximately 8,000 government entities over the past 13 years using unchanged criteria, which Mr. Mahakun noted as outdated given current challenges. In response, the NACC has established the committee to scrutinize and refine the ITA's approach to assessing government operations' integrity and transparency.
The primary responsibilities of this newly formed committee include reviewing past ITA assessments, offering recommendations, and enhancing the effectiveness of assessment tools. The committee comprises five subcommittees, each focusing on different organizational groups and aspects of the ITA process. Mr. Prasat Phongsiwaphai, General Thiradej Chatsathianpong, Second Lieutenant Supeephat Chongphanit, Mrs. Sirirat Wasuwat, and Mrs. Saowani Saengsuphan head these subcommittees.
These subcommittees will collaborate with the Audit Committee, meeting bi-weekly to ensure progress. The goal is to present clear, tangible results to the public within two months, with a mid-stage performance evaluation scheduled for November. The committee will invite relevant experts to provide additional insights and study international best practices.
Mr. Wicha emphasized the importance of openness in audits, noting that organizations ready to be scrutinized are better positioned to correct mistakes and advance. The ITA audits aim to increase transparency and public access to information, challenging the previous norm of confidentiality. The committee insists on full disclosure by all agencies to facilitate effective audits.
The committee also aims to address emotional concerns related to public complaints affecting agency scores. The NACC recognizes the need for a system free from undue guilt, focusing on obtaining accurate information. Past incidents, such as the Department of National Parks receiving an 'A' in ITA but later being implicated in bribery scandals, underscore the need for a more accurate reflection of reality.
Mr. Wicha also discussed the potential re-evaluation of agencies that consistently receive high scores, questioning the validity of repeat awards and suggesting a broader assessment that includes personnel evaluation. Agencies with low scores are urged to improve, akin to students needing new teaching methods to progress.
In conclusion, the NACC's initiative to revise the ITA evaluation process is a significant step towards enhancing transparency and public trust in government agencies, with a focus on ethical standards and accountability.