Politics

Phumtham Reiterates Strict Investigation into Collapsed Office of the Auditor General Building

Bangkok: Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, highlighted the government's commitment to thoroughly investigate the collapse of the Office of the Auditor General building and ensure swift punishment for those responsible. He emphasized the need for anti-corruption organizations to evolve, leveraging technology to enhance transparency and align with global standards.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phumtham made these remarks following his participation in an academic seminar organized by the Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission. He stressed that corruption suppression must adhere to the rule of law and involve the modernization of agency operations through technological integration. The focus on ethical personnel and robust training is seen as vital for improving the inspection system.

Mr. Phumtham acknowledged the longstanding issue of corruption in Thai society, attributing it to systemic and regulatory flaws. He expressed the need for regulatory reforms to prevent corruption and restore public trust. The collapse of the Office of the Auditor General building has intensified public scrutiny, with Mr. Phumtham noting that deficiencies during the procurement and management processes need to be addressed promptly.

The Prime Minister has underscored the importance of punishing the guilty while protecting the innocent in this investigation. Mr. Phumtham assured that the government is taking public concerns seriously and is committed to revealing the truth behind the incident. Furthermore, he addressed public concerns about the inefficient use of budgets in constructing government buildings, stating that measures are being implemented to address these issues.