Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has vowed zero tolerance for corruption as Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Chaichanok Chidchob launches a probe into an alleged 40-million-baht monthly bribe linked to call centre scams.
Mr Anutin, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, on Thursday voiced full support for Mr Chaichanok, who is pressing ahead with the inquiry into the bribery allegation.
He insisted the minister would not relent in pursuing the matter and guaranteed that no corruption would be tolerated under his government.
The controversy erupted after Mr Chaichanok, son of Bhumjaithai patriarch Newin Chidchob, told parliament that a group connected to call centre gangs had offered him a monthly payment of 40 million baht in exchange for refraining from legal action against their operations.
DES permanent secretary Patchara Anantasilp said Mr Chaichanok had instructed that an independent central fact-finding panel be set up to ensure transparency.
The committee, expected to be named within days, will include representatives from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo). Mr Patchara will be the only DES official involved.
The panel has been given 30 days, with findings due by the end of October.
‘If any evidence implicates officials, the committee will act in accordance with the law. There will be no exemptions, even for DES staff,’ the permanent secretary said.
Former Democrat Party MP Nipit Intarasombat said he would petition the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate the bribery allegations, claiming no political party was taking the matter seriously. He said he would act in his personal capacity as a citizen.
Responding to Mr Nipit’s move, Mr Anutin said: ‘Everyone has the right to call for an investigation. The facts must be clarified. This government has only been in office for two days, so any past irregularities must be uncovered. If wrongdoing exists, Mr Chaichanok will never let it slide.’
The prime minister dismissed suggestions that Mr Chaichanok’s disclosure could backfire, saying the minister was committed to integrity.
‘He is not corrupt, he despises dishonesty, and nothing can stop him,’ he added.