General Chatchai Sarikulya, Minister of Commerce, presided over the opening of seminar and showing power of anti-corruption of the Ministry of Commerce “Moc Zero Corruption Day” on the topic “Driving Thailand’s Economy without Corruption : Transparency, F

 

 

General Chatchai Sarikulya, Minister of Commerce, said that “Today is another day I am delighted, honored, and willing to preside over the opening of seminar and showing of power against corruption of the Ministry of Commerce or “Moc Zero Corruption Day” at this time.

          Since the United Nations has designated 9 December each year as International Anti-Corruption Day, our today activity is more meaningful because it means that today there may be many organizations or agencies in the world carrying out various activities with the same objective we aim. Therefore, we cannot deny that corruption is a global importance issue that all sectors must cooperate to address it seriously.

          If asked why the anti-corruption agenda is one of the principles under the UN Global Compact since 1999, or more than 15 years ago, he answer is that the world's population, whatever occupation, such as politicians, civil servants, businessmen, or people, could have a part in steadily deteriorating this problem. Thus, all sectors have an important role to eradicate corruption sustainably, for the benefit, equality and fair treatment of all people in the world.

          When looking narrow down in our country, today we have to talk to each other honestly and openly. You may not want to hear this, but I need to tell you a true story that happened because we cannot possibly deny that today our country's reputation on anti-corruption still not good. Everyone might have seen from the video presentation, but I would like to expand a bit more for clarity that in the last year 2013,  Transparency International (TI) had measured Corruption Situation Index (CSI) of countries around the world by scoring; the full score is 100, so 0 means the highest corruption and 100 means the lowest corruption. Thailand was ranked 102 out of 177 countries throughout the world, and ranked 16 out of 48 countries in Asia region. 

          Bad reputation of Thailand’s corruption diminish our country a lot in politic, economic and social system. In political terms, we realize very well that. The problem of corruption is key parts that make public lack of confidence and trust in the administration of the party as the leader of the state. Incredulity and mistrust bring factions, conflicts, and non-unity of the nation. We have to accept that this issue has accumulated for a long time and deep rooted in Thailand and would take a long time to resolve. I think it is hard, but if the people of Thailand work together, I think we will be successful certainly but it takes time.

          This government gives high priority to corruption prevention and suppression. Article 10 of government policy was set on the promotion of the national administration with good governance, preventing and suppressing corrupt practices in the public sector. It focuses on instilling values, morals, ethics, and consciousness in maintaining the dignity and honesty of a public servant, as well as promoting and encouraging parties of various networks engaging in fighting corruption, misconduct, monitoring, watching out, and auditing the performance of government officials at all levels strictly.

          I would like to insist firmly that the anti- corruption is one of the most important policies of the government. We believe that a better society could be achieved when all parties perform their duties with honesty, integrity, transparency, and truly contribute for the sake of the nation. Government has undertaken this issue on an ongoing basis, and is ready to continue to address the corruption issue at all levels seriously.

          Many of you may think that “Zero Corruption” is a far issue and it is difficult to achieve. Partly because you look too far. If you define Zero Corruption as no corruption at all in this world, I agree it is hard to achieve and takes a long time. But if you see that Zero Corruption can be started at yourself first, that is you must not be a part of the corruption, whether as a provider, a recipient, a sponsor, a supporter, or a witness but ignored, then I believe that you can start Zero Corruption practice since the very moment. And when everyone adhere to the principle Zero Corruption, then, I believe, national and global goals would not be difficult to be achieved.

          This activity is part of a campaign to raise awareness and provide knowledge on this issue. However, there is one mission that the government must do concurrently; it is to carry out the punishment of offenders seriously. Let me assure you that the government never be negligent on this issue. And all parties are invited to cooperate with the government in informing the government wherever the corruption is found. Perpetrators must be punished; well-doers need to be appreciated.

          What I said is just a little part. There are a lot of knowledge and experiences about anti-corruption you will hear from today’s discussion. This is a great honor that all speakers accepted to join the discussion with willingness and would like to be part of anti-corruption power. I appreciate and thank all of you again.

          I am confident that today will be a great opportunity for us to show our power against corruption. Start Zero Corruption practice from ourselves, from our ministry, and I believe that eventually our pure energy today will be forwarded to national and global power to fight against corruption.

          I will be a part of power moving forward together with all of you in this place and this country to fight against all forms of corruption. I believe that the Zero Corruption is truly happening in our ministry. And we together must take our Ministry and our nation free from corruption sustainably forever.