In view of mega-project, Transport to lead in signing of Integrity Pact

The Transport Ministry will be the first to sign the "Integrity Pact" with the Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand to show its commitment to preventing fraud involving its Bt2-trillion infrastructure plan.

"We'll sign first as the ministry has been viewed as fraught with corruption and as having many doubtful projects and budget spending," Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt said yesterday.

After meeting with the ACT, he said the signing would take place within 30 days with witnesses who were experts from various fields. Representatives from subcontractors will also ink the pact.

The ministry will disclose all information of all future projects and auctions to show transparency throughout the whole process, he added.

ACT chairman Pramon Sutivong said the participation of the transport ministry in the pact would ensure that state spending on mega projects would be transparent, open to scrutiny and worth the money.

This will mark a good start to the government's efficient budget spending. The initiative is aimed at reducing fraudulent and unfair systems in the public, private and civil sectors.

It is expected to enhance Thailand's overall development, since graft continues to lead to huge losses.

The pact would require a pledge from any agency or organisation signing up that it would demonstrate transparency in regard to procurement.

Terms of reference, prices, names of bidders and other details would have to be published on the organisation's website.

The organisation should also treat all participants equally and inform agencies to punish unscrupulous persons or committees immediately if any irregularities were found.