Chuan Leekpai warns of political interference in Thai independent agencies

Chuan Leekpai, a former Prime Minister and Democrat Party MP, warned of increasing political interference in Thailand’s independent organizations during a parliamentary seminar titled ‘Monitoring the Role of Independent Organizations Amidst the Thai Political Crisis’.

Leekpai noted that while the 1997 Constitution established bodies such as the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Election Commission (EC) to ensure transparency and oversight, these institutions are currently facing severe threats. He highlighted a trend where political factions and business interests attempt to occupy these organizations by appointing loyalists, a practice he compared to a presidential system rather than a parliamentary one.

He emphasized that personnel in these roles must possess ‘evident honesty and integrity’ to prevent corruption. Leekpai cautioned that if these organizations fail to perform their duties due to political pressure or a desire to repay political favors, they become a burden on taxpayers, noting that these bodies utilize an annual budget exceeding 20 billion baht. He concluded that for these organizations to protect democracy, they must adhere to good governance and remain impartial.