Bangkok: The Prime Minister reiterated that good civil servants must not buy bribes or cheat on exams. Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as Minister of Interior, instructed local authorities to build public trust through action, emphasizing that individuals should not ascend to positions of power through corruption. He warned that if corruption prevails, Thailand's future is bleak, equating lawbreakers to criminals regardless of their influence or skill.
According to Thai News Agency, the remarks were made during an award ceremony presided over by Prime Minister Anutin, recognizing well-managed local administrative organizations for the fiscal year 2026. The event aimed to honor organizations with exemplary management and public service delivery and to foster continuous local development. The Office of the Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister and the Office of the Committee on Decentralization to Local Administrative Organizations organized the ceremony, backed by a grant of 147 million baht intended to incentivize local management efficiency.
The selection process involved an evaluation based on set criteria, with five ad hoc subcommittees finalizing the awardees. A total of 240 local administrative organizations received awards and monetary prizes, with the Prime Minister presenting awards to the first-place winners across various categories.
Mr. Anutin expressed his honor and delight in participating in the ceremony, congratulating the awardees. He highlighted that the awards serve as a testament to the value of efficient, transparent work that prioritizes public interest. He emphasized that strong local communities are crucial for national stability and stressed the importance of maintaining public trust.
Addressing a critical issue for local administrative organizations, Mr. Anutin noted the inevitability of facing challenges affecting public confidence. He advocated for restoring trust not through words but through actions, urging that personnel in local organizations demonstrate dedication and honesty.
"Today's awards signify more than just recognizing well-managed organizations. They set the standards for the Thai civil service, emphasizing integrity and rejecting corruption," Mr. Anutin stated. He reassured that no Provincial Administrative Organization presidents were implicated in corruption, according to investigation reports.
He further mentioned ongoing investigations by independent agencies like the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), emphasizing transparency and accountability. Mr. Anutin assured that no lawbreakers, regardless of their influence or abilities, would be spared, likening them to thieves.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Anutin expressed hope that the success of the day would inspire collective efforts to elevate work standards for the benefit of Thai citizens and the nation's future.