The military regime under Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has showed strong determination in fighting corruption. Earlier this month, it took the bold decision to set up a panel to collect and screen complaints lodged against government officials through military units.
According to media reports, there are 74 complaint centres up and running, all of which are overseen by the Defence Ministry. The panel has received hundreds of complaints since it was established on July 14.
Army spokesman Winthai Suvaree dismissed concerns the new panel's work would be redundant because of anti-graft bodies which are already in place.
The centres, located at all military bases nationwide as ordered by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, are designed as "an additional channel" for people to help in the anti-corruption drive.
Any findings will be forwarded to relevant agencies -- each is supposed to set up a probe against the accused.
Since the panel began work, assisted by the PM's all powerful Section 44, a total of 70 civilians have been suspended or removed from duty while pending investigation results.
Those facing action range from officials at operational level to top administrators, several of whom are from local administrative offices. Some of those accused still receive a salary, but quite a few have had their salary suspended.
Gen Prayut told the media their suspension or removal was not punishment just yet. All the accused will face a disciplinary probe by their agencies and all will follow the law. Those who prove to be not guilty will be able to return to work.
It is apparent the new panel is trying to impress the public with its fast-working style. But with several anti-graft agencies in existence -- the National Anti-Corruption Commission, the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission, as well as other channels like Hotline 1111 and a public complaints centre opposite Government House -- it's a bit hard for the junta to justify another graft-buster. The frequent use of S44 without any checks and balances is dangerous.
Rather than setting up a new structure which, due to repetitiveness, can result in bureaucratic headaches, the regime should make full use of existing anti-graft mechanisms.
Besides, since the new panel and those working at the satellite centres consist of military officers, some may start to wonder if there is some personnel surplus at the Defence Ministry.
Since they are trained as professional soldiers, some may doubt their capability and experience in following a corruption trail.
Not to mention that the findings against the 70 civilians -- not one person in uniform, you notice -- have given rise to the question of double standards.
It should be noted the establishment of the panel almost coincided with the scandal involving several navy officers enjoying luxury overseas travel under the guise of a "study trip" package.
Pictures of those officers having a good time in tourist spots such as ski resorts, eating lavish meals, and shopping, in two separate groups to Japan were circulated on social media and went viral.
It triggered a public outcry since the junta's ban on overseas travel was being strictly followed by other state officials.
There has been no word from the navy, or those who went on the trips, which took place earlier this year, as to what has been done about the scandal.
The public is wondering why the junta-installed anti-graft panel is thoroughly scrutinising civilian agencies when such high-profile scandalous military trips have slipped from its attention.
For this, the panel owes the public an explanation.