NACC chair lauds anti-graft efforts

The National Anti‑Corruption Commission (NACC) has closed more than 4,500 cases this year and identified public land encroachment, procurement schemes by local bodies and economic rehabilitation schemes across the country as "risk areas" for corruption.

The findings were unveiled yesterday by NACC chairman Pol Gen Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit as the anti-graft agency marked the third anniversary of the promulgation of the 2018 organic law governing its functions.

Pol Gen Watcharapol said the NACC has spent the past three years putting its house in order by using information technology in its management and decision-making processes.

He said the NACC closed 4,552 cases this year. As for asset examination, he said the agency has undertaken 28 cases including seven of unusual wealth worth 471 million baht.

According to Pol Gen Watcharapol, the number of asset examination cases submitted to the court has dropped due to the legal changes and NACC proceedings that take intent into consideration.

He said the NACC launched its "Corruption Risk Mapping" project to find risk areas for corruption across the country.

Among the top three issues are public land encroachment, procurement schemes by local bodies and economic rehabilitation schemes.

He said the agency has also worked closely with international agencies in addressing cross-border corruption practices with a focus on tracking the assets of offenders and bringing the offenders to justice.

He added the NACC faces a total of 18 lawsuits after an assembly of Supreme Court judges ruled that the NACC can be sued.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday pledged to create a transparent government and a society free of corruption during a speech to mark International Anti-Corruption Day at the NACC's offices.

He said corruption not only caused massive damage to the country but also affected its economic stability.

To address the problem, the government is encouraging the public to take part in corruption prevention and suppression efforts in society.

In Phuket, deputy governor Piyapong Chuwong presented Integrity and Transparency Assessment (ITA) awards to the province and Thesaban Nakhon Phuket yesterday.

According to Mr Piyapong, the province and local administrative organisations received an average score of 94.06, the highest in the country.

He thanked all parties concerned for their efforts.