Ministry of Labour Clarifies Penalties for Corruption

          The Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General and spokesperson Mr. Ananchai Uthaipatanacheep, spoke about the media’s coverage on the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct’s saying for imprisonment of ex Director-General of the Department of Skills Development in Hua Pramool. The Ministry of Labour explained that in the case of corruption, the Department of Skills Development had acted by terminating the employment contract, and established a committee to investigate the case. The ministry’s spokesperson explained that an order had been issued to compensate for damages equating to around 80 million Baht, whereby investigations are still underway to confiscate assets. For this case, legislation was enforceable through application of administrative measures under the law of liability of officials, without any action under civil case.
The ministry’s spokesperson continues that the Labour Minister has focused on corruption among government offices and has previously presented policies to ensure proper action. The Ministry of Labour has implemented the “Zero Corruption” campaign as 1 of the 8+1 urgent agendas for reform, where the framework is designed for 2017 – 2021. The strategies comprise 1) Determining anti-corruption action plan directions within MOU framework 2)  Promoting prevention mechanisms such as integrating electronic system to management finances and warehousing to create more a more effecting receive-payment system through banks or other electronic channels 3) Promote an ethical and moral culture among the people to prevent and reduce corruption-related risks and follow enforcement of regulations closely 4) Creating and developing a labour network to prevent and eliminate corruption nationwide. All efforts will be monitored and evaluated on fairness and transparency in phases.
    “About the case covered by the media, the Ministry of Labour has emphasized and reiterated for all government officials to act per relevant regulations and legislation under all circumstances. The judgement to this case is a lesson and reminder of the duties that government officers have,” said the Ministry of Labour’s spokesperson.