Private group presses for better solutions
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The Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand is pressing the government for a better system to manage the rice-pledging scheme.
Chairman Pramon Sutivong said that the the organisation has no desire to block the scheme which is benefiting farmers, but the government will need to plug loopholes which pave way for corruption.
At the press conference today, he said that the government must quickly launch an investigation into the entire process and punish all wrongdoers. The government must also publicly reveal the volume and value of rice bought under the scheme as well as the volume and value of rice having been released.
It also suggested that the government release the stockpiles in small lots, right after purchases, to reduce the warehousing burden and limit chance of corruption. There should also be complaint centres nationwide to take in complaints involving the scheme.
The organisation also submitted a written petition to the National Anti-Corruption Commission, requesting the investigation into the stockpiles and accounting.
"The organisation is ready to provide the information from our side," Pramon said. It is also seeking an audience with the prime minister, to present the aggregated information.
