Prem said that the NCCC, from commissioners to officials, was a symbol of righteousness to the country, which could experience massive or little corruption depending on the agency. "They have a hard, tiring, dangerous and challenging task, because they take corrupt officials to task, and there are many of these people. If the NCCC members do wrong, they will face legal action themselves,'' he said.

He was giving a speech at the NCCC on the seventh anniversary of its establishment. Prem praised NCCC chairman Panthep Klanongran for inviting him to speak. "I compliment you on your courage, because I am going to be very direct, and it may seem that I criticise, but I do not: I am going to give you moral support. Corruption can never be eradicated as long as there are bad people in the country, especially in government agencies and large state enterprises,'' he said.

Prem said corruption could be controlled if the country adopted what the King advocated and made sure it was run by people with integrity, so it was impossible for the corrupt to stir up turmoil.

He noted Transparency International's  four-place downgrading of Thailand in its corruption-perception index. "They said the evaluation had been conducted under the previous government. This government may have little or no corruption."

Prem said repeatedly that all NCCC officials should know their duty and teach others theirs. "They have to fight bravely and cleanse their minds, because money is a short but powerful word. It can buy anything, even people,'' he said.