Bangkok: The government is advancing the "One Department, One Transparent and Unbiased" initiative to combat corruption in 24 pilot agencies, aiming for results within six months.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Ekkapop Pienpises, the Prime Minister's spokesperson, stated that the government took office with the crucial task of addressing corruption. Thailand's Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2025 is projected at 33 points, and a survey of the private sector found that 89.1% consider corruption a moderate to significant obstacle to doing business. In response, the government is establishing systematic mechanisms to prevent and suppress corruption by setting up the Coordinating Committee for Combating Corruption (CCTC), chaired by the Prime Minister, along with subcommittees to monitor, prevent, and suppress bribery.

The Cabinet recently approved in principle the "One Department, One Transparent and Corruption-Free" project, as proposed by the Civil Service Commission (CSC). This initiative targets corruption risks at their source by having government agencies select high-risk services or work processes for tangible improvements. The CSC has been assigned as the lead agency to drive and monitor the project's implementation.

For the first phase, 24 pilot agencies will select 1-5 tasks with a high risk of corruption, such as approval, licensing, auditing, procurement, tax collection, and license renewal. They will analyze risk points, define preventive measures, and solicit feedback from the private sector and stakeholders within six months of the Cabinet's resolution.

The project aims to close loopholes before corruption occurs by streamlining work processes, reducing official discretion, utilizing digital systems to minimize face-to-face interaction between officials and service recipients, and providing online work status tracking. This includes eliminating redundant regulations and procedures, making information transparent for public scrutiny, and developing an accessible and efficient complaint system. The project encourages participation from the government, private sector, and public in designing solutions to corruption-related problems.

The government is committed to addressing corruption at its source by focusing on streamlining government approval, licensing, and service processes, reducing discretionary power, and ensuring transparency and accountability. This initiative aims to provide citizens with high-quality, fast, and fair services, build business confidence, improve the CPI score, and enhance Thailand's competitiveness, Mr. Ekkapop asserted.