BANGKOK, 28 January 2017 (NNT) – Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha stressed on the government’s intention to continue to combat corruption.

Government Spokesman Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the recently announced Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by Transparency International where Thailand this year ranked at 101st place, lower than last year's 76th place, had not worried the premier so much.

“Considering the actual score, it shows that despite a poorer rank this year Thailand only has had three scores below last year, down to 35 points from 38, while more countries have been considered in the list with many sharing the same score, affecting Thailand’s position in the entire list

“Since the index considered information from 13 sources, only seven to eight sources were related to Thailand, while others were not but were also taken into consideration, such as the African Development Bank,” the government spokesman has said.

The government spokesman said the premier has not neglected weaknesses of the country, such as the perception of government officials related to briberies in procurement, import, and export businesses, and has directed all related agencies to look for the source of this issue to resolutely fix it.

The government will also promote understanding among businessmen on the government’s anti-corruption measures, and encourage all related sectors to help solve this issue and not to tolerate to any bribery and corruption, and to ensure it is every person’s responsibility to break down this circuit.

“Those who wish to use this issue to sabotage the government’s credibility are advised to reconsider as it will cause broader damage to the while society, as the government has been working relentlessly to solve corruption issue, while a national poll from the University of Thai Chamber of Commerce shows Thai people’s perception regarding corruption is at the best in 6 years, in contrary to the result from an international organisation

“Throughout consideration of the index also shows Thailand has performed better is some categories, such as the perception on bribery and corruption as assessed by the IMD, and the perception on the use of government positions for personal benefits as assessed by WJP Rule of Law.”