SI-002-02 :
Anti-Corruption by Design (ACD) Framework

Situation

Anti-corruption efforts are predominantly reactive, relying on investigation after violations occur. Systems are designed with high discretion, complex procedures, and low transparency, creating opportunities for corruption.
Regulatory and administrative processes often lack built-in safeguards, allowing manipulation at multiple points.
Audit mechanisms are periodic rather than continuous, enabling corruption to persist undetected for extended periods.
Whistleblowing systems are weak, and protection mechanisms are insufficient to encourage reporting.
As a result, corruption is structurally embedded rather than episodic.

Shift

Redesign all critical governance processes using Anti-Corruption by Design principles, minimizing discretion and maximizing transparency.
Embed real-time monitoring, automated validation, and digital audit trails into all high-risk processes.
Shift from periodic audits to continuous, system-level oversight.
Standardize procedures and eliminate unnecessary complexity to reduce manipulation points.
Strengthen whistleblower systems with anonymity, protection, and incentive mechanisms.

Advantage

Prevention reduces enforcement costs and increases overall system efficiency.
Automated systems reduce human intervention and opportunities for rent-seeking.
Continuous monitoring enables early detection and rapid response.
Simplified processes improve user experience for both citizens and businesses.
System-level integrity enhances national credibility and governance quality.

Additional Structural Advantage

Design-based systems are scalable and less dependent on individual integrity.
Digital architecture enables integration across multiple government functions.
Corruption risk becomes measurable and manageable through data analytics.
Long-term, corruption becomes structurally difficult rather than socially tolerated.

Implication

Without systemic redesign, corruption will adapt and persist despite enforcement efforts.
Reactive systems will always lag behind evolving corruption methods.
Economic inefficiencies and trust deficits will continue to accumulate.
Institutional reforms will fail to achieve lasting impact.
Thailand risks remaining in a cycle of partial reform without structural change.

Action Layer