Thais are more aware of anti-corruption, says TDRI

BANGKOK, April 27 (TNA) - The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) says latest surveys have shown that Thai people are now more alert and aware of anti-corruption in the country. A TDRI researcher, Natchapol Praditpetchara, told journalists on April 26 that the latest surveys through corruption indices, conducted by both domestic and foreign agencies during 2010-2016, indicated that the problem of corruption has relieved in the eyes of Thai people, thanks to more public awareness on anti-corruption and less tolerance against corrupt practices, from 10 to 2.27, the lowest-recorded level. Natchapol said the latest surveys also found that most Thai people, or 95 per cent of respondents, have been more ready and more aware of involving in anti-corruption moves. However, Natchapol admitted, Thai people have not yet been fully confident in existing anti-corruption mechanisms in the country. For foreigners, the TDRI researcher acknowledged, they have viewed the problem of curruption in Thailand has not much been improved. According to the TDRI researcher, the latest surveys also found that loopholes remain in Thai laws and regulations, enabling authorities to abuse their power and to take moral ethics of government officials for granted, while the domestic political system has remained non-transparent with more check and balance mechanisms needed. The TDRI researcher suggested that the Thai government, thus, review and revise laws and regulations to eliminate the loopholes, as well as to enhance transparency with serious legal penalties. (TNA)