Nathaporn Sittichai, Director of the PACC Region 8, signed the MoU with key stakeholders, aiming to prevent and combat corruption and bribery within the private business sector and among investors.
The MoU involved a collaboration among PACC Region 8 and the Center for the Promotion of Government Services for Investors and Foreigners (SBPC).
Joining them were prominent figures from leading business associations in Phuket, including the Phuket Chamber of Commerce, Phuket Industrial Council, Phuket Tourism Industry Council and the Phuket Tourist Association.
The signing ceremony, held at the Royal Phuket City Hotel, garnered support from Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat, who was present to witness the event and chaired the opening ceremony of the corporate governance training program focused on anti-corruption measures.
The collaboration underscores a commitment to involve the private sector in the fight against corruption. The partnership extends into the academic realm, aiming to impart knowledge and understanding to businesses, entrepreneurs, and legal entities. The initiative seeks to raise awareness about resisting all forms of corruption and provides guidelines for sharing information and reporting corruption in both government and private sectors, explained an official report of the event.
PACC Region 8 Director Ms Nathaporn explained that Phuket was chosen for the initiative as a strategic pilot area.
“Phuket’s status as a commercial hub, a major tourist destination and its attraction of both domestic and foreign investments makes it an ideal starting point. Beyond the corporate governance and anti-corruption course held today, the PACC plans to maintain continuous collaboration with the private sector in Phuket. This includes initiatives to further raise awareness and understanding of the government’s goal to improve Thailand’s Corruption Perception Index among both Thai and foreign stakeholders,” she said.
The joint efforts of the PACC and Phuket’s private sector signal a proactive stance against corruption, showcasing a united front in the pursuit of a more transparent and accountable business environment, said the official report of the event.
The ultimate goal remains the elevation of Thailand’s standing in the global fight against corruption, as reflected in the Corruption Perception Index, the report added.
Thailand is currently ranked 101st out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index.