DIGITAL GOVERNANCE FOR CORRUPTION PREVENTION IN THAI REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION: INTEGRATING COSO-ERM AND GRC

Abstract

Addressing the persistent challenge of structural corruption in Thailand's regional administration, this research aims to develop a digital platform serving as a proactive preventive mechanism. Employing a qualitative methodology with a pilot implementation across four strategic provinces—Chiang Mai, Chainat, Ubon Ratchathani, and Trang—the study evaluates the integration of the COSO-ERM risk management framework and GRC principles into public-sector workflows. The findings reveal that the platform effectively transforms governance by shifting the focus from ex-post auditing to real-time surveillance through dynamic risk dashboards and automated alerts. This digital intervention significantly minimizes arbitrary discretion and ensures traceability in high-risk functions, particularly procurement and budget disbursement. Empirical evidence confirms that the system enhances operational transparency, reduces documentation burdens, and facilitates public scrutiny through open data interfaces. Consequently, this research provides a scalable model for "Preventive Digital Governance," demonstrating how theoretical risk frameworks can be operationalized to curb corruption. The study contributes directly to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 by offering a concrete technological solution for building accountable and transparent public institutions.