The government is being warned of a possible surge in corruption this year with its plans to accelerate the development of a spate of big-ticket infrastructure projects.
Thanavath Phonvichai, vice-president for research at the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said although the government has stressed the importance of fighting corruption and fared reasonably well in tackling graft, corruption is likely to intensify as the number of infrastructure projects scheduled to start this year is large.
The Transport Ministry's action plan approved by the cabinet on Dec 13 calls for 36 infrastructure projects worth 896 billion baht to begin investment in 2017.
Of the total investment, rail system development will account for 73.3%, expressways and motorways will take up 18.7%, with the remainder going toward marine transport and the expansion of Suvarnabhumi airport.
Projects to commence this year include the expressway linking Rama III Road-Dao Khanong and the Western Outer Ring Road.
The Blue Line mass transit route on the Bang Khae-Phutthamonthon Sai 4 section, the Light Green Line on the Samut Prakan-Bang Pu section and the Khu Kot-Lam Luk Ka section, as well as the Orange Line section linking Thailand Cultural Centre and Taling Chan are also expected to break ground.
The second stage of seven double-track rail projects spanning 1,439 kilometres worth 292 billion baht are also set to be put forward for cabinet approval in early 2017.
The seven routes are from Pak Nam Pho in Nakhon Sawan to Den Chai in Phrae; Jira in Nakhon Ratchasima to Ubon Ratchathani; Khon Kaen-Nong Khai; Chumphon-Surat Thani; Surat Thani-Songkhla; Hat Yai-Padang Besar; and Den Chai-Chiang Mai.
Moreover, many projects planned for fiscal 2016 were subject to delays this year because of lengthy negotiations.
Mr Thanavath urged the government to pay more attention and stay committed to inspection and prevention processes to deter corruption.
The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce yesterday revealed its latest survey of 2,400 respondents in the private and public sectors conducted last December, finding the corruption situation index (CSI) stayed unchanged at 55 points from the previous survey.
A lower CSI score indicates higher levels of corruption, while a score of 100 shows high transparency and a lack of graft.
Respondents reported bribes and kickbacks paid by businesses to state officials and politicians dropped to 15% of the procurement budget and biddings worth about 120 billion baht from 25-35% during 2010-13, which cost as much as 400 billion baht annually.
Tea money is the most common form of corruption.