Anutin Charnvirakul honors local governments and vows anti-corruption crackdown

Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, presided over an awards ceremony for 240 local government organizations recognized for excellence in management for the 2026 fiscal year. The awards, totaling 147 million baht, aim to honor organizations that demonstrate efficiency, transparency, and a commitment to public interest.

During the ceremony, Anutin emphasized the importance of rebuilding and maintaining public trust in local governance. He stated that actions, rather than words, are the most effective way to demonstrate integrity. He also addressed corruption, noting that while he is relieved that no Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) presidents were implicated in recent examination fraud investigations, he remains committed to strict legal action against any wrongdoing. He characterized those who engage in corruption as being ‘no different from thieves’ and stressed that the government will not exempt anyone from accountability.