The award ceremony, held at the Best Western Plus Wanda Grand Hotel in Nonthaburi yesterday (Sept 11), was presided over by Bhumivisan Kasemsook, Secretary-General of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC).
Key figures representing Phuket present to receive the award included Ruenvadee Suwanmongkol, Inspector-General of the Prime Minister’s Office; Phiraphi Ongcharoen, Vice Chairman of the Phuket Provincial Governance Committee; and Kongsak Khoopongsakorn, President of the Phuket Chamber of Commerce.
The award highlights Phuket’s success in establishing a strong anti-corruption network under the PACC Network Project to Surveillance Corruption, known as ‘PACC Connect’, explained an official report of the event.
The Phuket network excelled in evaluations, scoring over 80 points, and was recognised among the 56 networks rated ‘excellent’ nationwide, the report added.
In total, 91 networks across Thailand were recognised, with 59 receiving honorary plaques, including 56 ‘excellent’ networks and three ‘good’ networks. Notably, 10 networks from the upper southern region, including those from Surat Thani, Krabi and Ranong, were also honoured for their contributions.
Ananya Rakmanee of the PACC, explained that the PACC office, as a key part of the government, has been focused on preventing and eliminating corruption by involving the public and ensuring better access to justice.
“This starts with building trust and confidence, empowering people, and creating strong networks,” she said.
Through initiatives like public forums and the PACC ‘Open House’, the PACC offers a space for civil society to come together, discuss problems, think through solutions, and take collective action to address corruption and the hardships faced by local communities.
“The PACC also plays a key role in monitoring, staying alert, and gathering information about corruption or cases of unfairness involving government officials,” Ms Ananya said.