Depoliticising Key Institutions for Combatting Corruption: The New Thai Constitution
Key institutions to fight corruption that came into being with the 1997 Thai Constitution are examined. The three main directions for reforms in combating corruption were increasing citizen participation & human rights guarantees at all levels of government; setting up "watchdog" agencies & increasing transparency in decision making; & creating mechanisms for government stability & efficiency. The eight interdependent pillars of integrity called for in the Constitution are the political will, watchdog agencies, public awareness, the media, administrative reforms, Parliament, the judiciary branch, & the private sector. The practical difficulties associated with the creation & operation of these institutions are discussed. To improve the integrity of the Thai constitutional system, three areas need attention: institutional improvement (in watchdog agencies), public & private sector reform, & enhancement of public awareness & participation. 4 Figures, 1 Appendix. M. Pflum