ENHANCING TRANSPARENCY AND THE ABILITY OF THAI GOVERNMENT TO MANAGE IN THE ERA OF THE NEW IMPERIALIST COMPETITION

Abstract

This academic article aimed to study the importance of transparency in public affairs management, corruption in developing countries and Thai Government's ability to manage transparency. Transparency plays an important role in preventing corruption affecting the country development in many areas. Thailand has been aware of the impact of corruption since the Sukhothai period and has therefore tried to correct and prevent it by using both Buddhist principles and laws. But the corruption does not decrease. There may be similarly causes for developing countries that corruption is caused by defect in the political and economic environment, professional ethics, enactment of laws, habits, customs, traditions and demographics. Importantly, the lack of leaders who sacrifice for the nation. Government is incompetent and in-sincere in making corrections. Many people have called for transparent management of public affairs. Consequently, the National Anti-Corruption Agency (NACC) has been established and the Government Information Act B.E.2540 for government officials to disclose information primarily.

Another part has applied the principles of good governance as a framework for operation but still far from success in promoting transparency. Under the current political economic system, followings should be undertaken: 1) creating a mechanism for information disclosure, 2) developing clear laws, 3) managing information to be truthful, and 4) cultivating the minds of government officials and society members with Buddhist principles that communicate with the truth.