Crackdown On Customs Department

Corruption team targets Customs

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra set up a team yesterday to investigate corruption, with the Customs Department singled out as the first target. Talking to business leaders at Government House, Mr Thaksin said the team led by Prommin Lertsuridej, his secretary-general, would reinforce anti-corruption mechanisms which alone were not effective enough in tackling deep-rooted graft in state agencies.

Government agencies should get their act together to prevent corruption instead of leaving it to the National Counter Corruption Commission, he said.

Many corruption complaints had been made about the Customs Department, which now had until September to streamline its work and ensure transparency.

A recent survey by University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce found almost 80% of exporters, importers and shipping firms had met bribery problems at the department with kickbacks being paid directly to officials overseeing shipments.

Mr Thaksin said the team would welcome information and tips from anyone.

--Bangkok Post 2006-01-12