Draft must create more independent agencies to fight graft

At the ACT-hosted seminar on the draft charter and anti-graft efforts, Pramon pointed out that authorities from national to local levels could be more connected to create a balance of power and transparency. 

The draft should also allow anti-graft agencies to work more independently, he said, adding that agencies like the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) should not need Cabinet approval when making certain decisions. 

Coordinating centres should also be set up to align the work among anti-graft agencies, such as the police, prosecutors and independent organisations so as to create more integrity, he said. 

He also said that a procurement bill should be drafted so concrete rules can be set on procurement procedures, as this process currently relies on Cabinet approval. 

With the charter’s 44 articles on graft, ranging from public support and controlling corruption in the administrative system to building clean politics and strengthening the justice system, he said the draft charter could “do better” by prioritising the citizens’ voices. 

The chairman said that empowering the public would encourage public participation in national administration, leading to dynamic and rounded observation from people. 

Chuchai Supawong, former vice chairman of the defunct Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), said the draft charter should also include a court that specialises on finance and budget principles. The court should take quicker action against projects suspected of overusing the national budget, Chuchai said. 

The draft should also declare that politicians reveal their tax records for three years, as stated in the previous draft created by the drafting panel led by Borwornsak Uwanno. He also suggested that the draft set up an anti-graft panel in the Parliament, the previous draft.