Tougher anti-graft laws set to go to NLA
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The National Anti-Corruption Commission's proposed bill that is currently before the National Legislative Assembly contains many interesting proposals.
NLA members will vote on the bill’s first reading on Thursday.
Under Section 12 politicians who deliberately conceal or declare false assets would face a lifelong ban.
Those convicted would not be allowed to hold a position in a political party or a public body.
Under Section 13, it is proposed that members of provincial and district administrations and other government officials must join MPs and senators in declaring assets.
Under Section 18, the NACC would be empowered to authorise arrest warrants for suspects who fail to report to it on schedule. The agency would also be authorised to make arrests.
At present the NACC relies on police to make arrests for them.
The process is inefficient and suspects often escape.
Under Section 19, if a suspect flees during the legal process, that period would not be included in the statute of limitations.
Under Section 21, NACC rulings on officials charged with offences would overrule a public body’s disciplinary committee. This mechanism is designed to prevent guilty officials being “rescued” by their superiors and escaping a just punishment.
Under Section 23, it is proposed that courts accept NACC cases without having to consider whether they are well-grounded.
Foreign government officials and foreign international organisation officials convicted of bribery in Thailand could be jailed for life or receive the death penalty. The minimum jail term would be five years and the fine between Bt100,000 and Bt400,000 (Section 27).
Currently, there is no punishment specified for foreign officials who commit graft.
