Thailand's anti-graft agency issues staff social media rules
Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission has restricted non-work social media use during office hours and misuse of official positions, with potential sanctions.
- Thailand's anti-corruption agency has introduced new social media conduct rules for its staff to maintain public confidence.
- The rules restrict personal social media use during office hours and prohibit the online disclosure of confidential work information.
- Employees are forbidden from misusing their official positions for personal or commercial gain and from posting criticism of the nation, religion, or monarchy.
- Staff must not post content of themselves in uniform that could undermine the agency's reputation, with breaches leading to an inquiry and potential disciplinary action.
Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has introduced social media conduct rules for staff, restricting non-work use during office hours and prohibiting the online misuse of official positions and the disclosure of confidential information.
The rules are intended to preserve public confidence in the anti-corruption body and ensure that employees' online conduct does not interfere with official duties.
The directive was published in Thailand's Royal Gazette on Saturday (October 24), and applies to personnel at all levels within the Office of the NACC.
Five restrictions on staff social media use
NACC staff must communicate respectfully, avoid abusive, disparaging or hate-inciting language and maintain political neutrality. The directive also sets out five restrictions:
- Non-work social media use during office hours: Staff should avoid using social platforms for matters unrelated to their duties when it could affect their performance or create the impression that they are neglecting government work.
- Inappropriate comments about national institutions: Personnel must not publish inappropriate remarks or criticism concerning the nation, religion or monarchy.
- Improper content involving official uniforms: Employees must not post photographs or videos showing themselves wearing uniforms displaying the NACC emblem in a manner that could undermine public confidence.
- Disclosure of confidential information: Staff must not share work-related information that breaches confidentiality or creates risks to official operations.
- Misuse of official positions: Employees must not boast about or invoke their own positions or those of colleagues online to obtain commercial or personal advantages, directly or indirectly. They must also take precautions to prevent family members from exploiting their official status for such benefits.
Inquiries and possible penalties for breaches
When a potential violation is identified, the relevant authority must order a preliminary inquiry. If misconduct is substantiated, action may be taken under the agency's ethics code. Breaches that also constitute disciplinary or criminal offences may result in further proceedings.
