Thailand Establishes Multi-Stakeholder Committee for Open Government Initiative

Thailand has officially established a Multi-Stakeholder Forum (MSF) for Open Government, aimed at strengthening collaboration between the public, private, academic, and civil society sectors to combat corruption and enhance administrative transparency. The committee, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, will officially bring together representatives from the government, private sector, civil society, and experts. The primary objective of this committee is to integrate government operations, which have traditionally been carried out solely by government agencies, with the cooperation of all stakeholders. This collaboration will span from policy formulation and the development of National Action Plans (NAPs) to the monitoring and evaluation of implementation. The ultimate goal is to increase administrative transparency and achieve tangible results that can earn public trust. The Deputy Prime Minister stated that promoting "Open Government" involves transforming the way the government thinks and works. Specifically, it emphasizes transparency and information disclosure, enabling citizens greater access and participation in policy-making processes. Concurrently, digital technologies will be utilized to improve government operational efficiency and data integration, thereby enhancing public services. These initiatives, with the exception of international security concerns, are expected to directly reduce corruption, leading to more efficient and transparent governance. In addition to government representatives, the committee includes prominent figures from the private sector, civil society, and academia, such as Mr. Kobsak Pootrakool, Mr. Mana Nimitmongkol, Mr. Virasak Kovitsoontorn, Mr. Kittit Thanjitmaneesakda, and Mr. Suriyadej Tripathi. Their responsibilities will include setting the direction and strategy for open government operations, reviewing National Action Plans, proposing initiatives to the cabinet, and overseeing progress. The government aims to elevate its administrative practices to be more citizen-centric, providing opportunities for all sectors to participate in policy-making and performance monitoring. This approach is intended to enhance the comprehensiveness and transparency of government decision-making, improve national governance, and support Thailand's accession to the Open Government Partnership (OGP). Source: INN News