The National Anti-Corruption Commission of Thailand (NACC) was established as a constitutionally independent Commission with the powers and duties to counter corruption in the Kingdom of Thailand.
The NACC has the powers and duties to conduct investigations into corruption cases including illicit enrichment and public procurement, inspect assets and liabilities of high-ranking public officials and politicians, as well as implement measures to prevent corruption and bolster cooperation with regional and international counterparts. It was formerly known as the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) before the official name was changed in 2008.
In the light of mass movement and political pressure calling for assets confiscation of the public official leaders ousted during the 14 October 1973 uprising in Thailand’s capital of Bangkok, the then Prime Minister Sanya Dharmasakti initiated the establishment of a Commission for the specific purpose of countering corruption. This led to the enactment of the Counter Corruption Act B.E. 2518 (1975) which officially established the NCCC, consisting of one President and eight other members who were elected for a two-year term by the Prime Minister with the advice of the Parliament. The NCCC was accountable to the Prime Minister’s Office and held a status equivalent to a Ministry Department.
The Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2540 (1997) rendered the NCCC constitutionally independent from the executive. Its autonomy was enshrined in the Organic Act on Counter Corruption B.E. 2542 (1999). The Constitution B.E. 2550 (2007) and the accompanying Organic Act on Counter Corruption B.E. 2542 amended in B.E. 2554 (2011) further enhanced the powers and aimed to improve the effectiveness of the NCCC administration.
The NACC now comprises one President and eight other Commissioners appointed by the King with the advice and consent of the Senate for a non-renewable nine-year term. It has the authority to monitor morality and ethics of public officials and holders of political positions, prescribe rules and procedures for the disclosure of assets and liabilities accounts, and take actions relating to witness protection scheme as well as rewards accorded to whistle-blowers.
The NACC has a separate secretariat – the Office of the NACC (ONACC) – which is a constitutionally independent body as well.
The Secretary-General answers directly to the NACC President and is the superior responsible for the administration and functioning of the NACC. The ONACC head quarter is located in Nonthaburi Province adjacent to Bangkok and for further outreach to the public in addition to the improvement of administrative operation 76 Provincial Offices have been established in every province of Thailand.