Yesterday, hundreds of activists led by the People's Network Against Corruption (PNAC) attended a workshop on e-auctions hosted by the Comptroller General's Department. It was designed to educate people who want to participate in an independent committee supervising government and state enterprise procedures regarding electronic auctions.

"People's participation in supervising e-auctions may not stop corruption or collusion among bidders and state officials," said PNAC secretary-general Veera Somkwamkid, adding that if the government is not serious about curbing corruption, an independent party may not be able to help much.

Past regulations were also designed to prevent corruption but they failed, he said.

Other participants said the consciences of officials would more effectively curb corruption than regulations. But they said they would cooperate with the department if it appoints them as an independent committee.

The government has implemented e-auction practices since last year, but allegations of state officials involved in corruption and bidders engaged in collusion still prevail.

The government recently relaxed electronic regulations temporarily in order to speed up public spending. The relaxation includes a measure that allows state agencies to opt for other auction procedures for projects worth Bt5 million or less, up from the previous Bt2 million ceiling enforced earlier.

Also, provincial governors can proceed with e-auctions for projects worth Bt50 million or less without the need to ask approval from the Comptroller General's Department and state enterprises can use other auction procedures for projects worth Bt10 million or less. They can also organise e-auctions independently for projects worth Bt300 million or less without the participation of an independent committee.

These temporary rules will apply until the end of next year.

Wichit Chaitrong

The Nation