The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) has launched a social support programme in a bid to ensure state agencies are not connected to the sex trade or human trafficking.
Social Development and Human Security Minister Adul Sangsingkeo said the ministry is working closely with security and relevant agencies to find ways to stop the so-called liang doo poo sua society in Thai society.
The tradition involves subordinates buying sex services, usually from teenage girls, for their bosses to celebrate a special occasion.
Pol Gen Adul was speaking after a meeting over plans to suppress and prevent human trafficking carried out by state officials, which he chaired Monday.
The session was attended by Maitree Intusut, MSDHA's permanent secretary and representatives from state agencies.
Pol Gen Adul said those who attended the meeting agreed his ministry would be responsible for setting up measures to tackle human trafficking by state officials.
The move comes after a high profile case in which high-ranking state officials including Mae Hong Son governor Suebsak Iamwicharn were accused of paying for sexual services from teenage girls at different places.
Pol Gen Adul said the measures are a response to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's order to tackle sex trade and human trafficking related problems in state agencies.
Last week, representatives from a child care home, and the Children and Youth Council of Thailand submitted a letter to the ministry, demanding that it find ways to end the inappropriate norm, he added.
The measures include setting up a special unit responsible for regularly inspecting entertainment venues and communities that offer rented houses and dormitories which could be used for providing sex services, he said.
He added that laws and regulations regarding human trafficking and sex offenders must be strictly enforced as well.
Pol Gen Adul said he had ordered his subordinates to set up a programme to educate girls about how to protect themselves against sexual exploitation.
Mr Maitree said the ministry will also set up a programme to educate state officials about the impact of the inappropriate tradition.
Meanwhile, 23 members of Ban Mai Tambon Administrative Organisation in Nonthaburi, accused of receiving sex services from teenagers, met Bangyai administrative officers for questioning.