Bangkok: Deputy Prime Minister Bowornsak Uwanno recently convened a meeting with the State Audit Office (SAO) to expedite flood relief initiatives in Southern Thailand. The discussions focused on establishing efficient measures for distributing compensation and ensuring transparency in the process. Officials were instructed not to fear investigations if they are uninvolved in corruption, and the SAO is currently investigating a case involving the procurement of expensive disinfectant.

According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister Bowornsak met with Auditor General Montien Charoenphol and representatives from various agencies, including the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and the Comptroller General’s Department. The primary aim was to develop effective assistance strategies for flood-affected regions and align on auditing procedures. The meeting was conducted via Zoom with officials from all 15 provinces under the Office of the Auditor General to familiarize them with the procedures for assessing emergency relief payments.

Bowornsak emphasized the need for cooperation among various departments to address delays caused by regulations in the executive branch. The meeting sought to streamline processes by using national ID cards instead of official documents for compensation claims, and citizens were urged to link their PromptPay accounts for swift transactions. Despite concerns, Bowornsak reassured that the government would expedite financial transfers and encouraged local inspectors to adhere to OAG guidelines without fear of repercussions, as long as corruption is not involved.

The meeting also addressed compensation procedures for families of deceased individuals, requiring a doctor’s certification and the use of the PP.14 form to determine the recipient of the funds. Future collaboration between the SAO and the government will establish a written framework to manage recurring flood situations effectively. The government plans to draft a non-binding cooperation framework, ensuring a consistent approach to disaster relief.

Montien Charoenphol highlighted the SAO’s commitment to electronic inspections, negating the need for physical documents. The shift to electronic systems aims to streamline operations and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. The SAO Act’s Section 95 provides guidelines for addressing non-compliance without corruption, offering advice rather than disciplinary action.

Additionally, Montien addressed reports of excessive spending on disinfectant in Songkhla, committing to investigate potential corruption. The investigation will determine if procurement costs were unjustly inflated during a period of high demand. The Auditor General assured fairness in the investigation and reiterated the importance of accountability in government spending.