Bangkok: The Cabinet has approved measures to prevent former civil servants who commit disciplinary and corruption violations from returning to civil service. Ms. Sasikarn Wattanachan, deputy government spokeswoman, revealed that the cabinet gave its approval in principle to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC)’s measures aimed at preventing corruption in the recruitment of individuals who have previously left government service due to disciplinary misconduct.

According to Thai News Agency, there are currently individuals who have been severely punished for corruption in public service and have sought to return to civil service. This occurs even after their reputation has been ostensibly cleared under the Act on the Clearance of the Respect of the 80th Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej B.E. 2550. However, while this Act clears penalties, it does not address the underlying disciplinary violations. Behavior deemed lacking in good morals, to the extent of being socially detestable, is considered a prohibited characteristic for civil service under Section 36 of the Civil Service Act B.E. 2551 and its amendments.

The NACC has proposed measures under Section 32 of the Organic Act on the Prevention and Suppression of Corruption B.E. 2561. These measures recommend improvements in government service performance and project planning to prevent or suppress corruption. The proposal includes amending laws, regulations, and rules to ensure that government officials who have been forced to resign due to serious disciplinary misconduct cannot be re-employed or considered for appointment in any government agency.

Penalties are also proposed for commanders who improperly exercise discretion to rehire such individuals into the civil service or government agencies. These measures are to be strictly adhered to across all types of government agencies.