CDC mulls corrupt officials’ asset seizures, police reforms
THE CONSTITUTION Drafting Commission (CDC) is considering rules to force corrupt state officials to pay for the damage caused by their crimes and also seize their assets, in addition to disciplinary and criminal penalties.
The measure was proposed in a discussion yesterday by central agencies responsible for civil-servant affairs.
CDC spokesman Udom Rathamarit said the rule would be a step to reform the bureaucracy.
There has been a persistent problem due to officials’ inconsistent ethical standards, Udom added. The CDC is considering approaches that central agencies, including the Office of the Ombudsman, can take to align those standards.
The commission hopes that reforms included in the draft constitution will improve officials’ efficiency and effectiveness in the bureaucracy, Udom said.
The CDC also plans to reform policy regarding the police to curb interference in their affairs, including transfers and promotions as well as the conduct of investigations.
Related issues have affected police performance, undermined ethics and common sense, and failed to serve the public interest, Udom said.
The draft charter will attempt to ensure fairness in police personnel management.
Udom added that the CDC considered police workload to be a problem. As a result, the draft charter will try to ensure that the police force focuses on maintaining peace and order, while keeping paperwork and other administrative tasks to a minimum.
In terms of ensuring fair investigations, the commission is considering allowing public prosecutors to be more involved in the process.
Udom said the related reforms would be written into the provisions of the draft charter, but it would be up to government and responsible agencies to develop relevant laws in the future.
Education reform is also being discussed, Udom added.
He said that the charter would stipulate major principles to govern the education sector, including that tuition should enhance students’ decency and discipline. Additionally, the charter will stipulate that students should receive educational opportunities in accordance with their aptitude.
The constitutional principles will then need to be backed by legislation, Udom said, adding that a comprehensive educational plan will combine principles, law and administrative measures for implementation.
